Guillermo del Toro is voicing his lifelong admiration for animation auteur Hayao Miyazaki.
The director was tasked with penning the tribute to Miyazaki as part of Miyazaki earning a spot on the Time 100. In his writeup, del Toro praised the Oscar-winning “The Boy and the Heron” writer/director for crafting his own filmic tastes. Del Toro has announced that he is looking to focus on animated projects going forward.
“I discovered Hayao Miyazaki’s Toei Animation films as a child — films like ‘The Wonderful World of Puss ’n Boots’ and series like ‘Heidi and Marco,’ in which his style and influence became increasingly identifiable,” del Toro wrote. “Encountering ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ as an adult, my mind snapped back to those earlier works, and I recognized how much this man had shaped my childhood.”
Del Toro continued that Miyazaki is a “one-of-a-kind creator who exists fully in his art,” with an...
The director was tasked with penning the tribute to Miyazaki as part of Miyazaki earning a spot on the Time 100. In his writeup, del Toro praised the Oscar-winning “The Boy and the Heron” writer/director for crafting his own filmic tastes. Del Toro has announced that he is looking to focus on animated projects going forward.
“I discovered Hayao Miyazaki’s Toei Animation films as a child — films like ‘The Wonderful World of Puss ’n Boots’ and series like ‘Heidi and Marco,’ in which his style and influence became increasingly identifiable,” del Toro wrote. “Encountering ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ as an adult, my mind snapped back to those earlier works, and I recognized how much this man had shaped my childhood.”
Del Toro continued that Miyazaki is a “one-of-a-kind creator who exists fully in his art,” with an...
- 4/17/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Gkids has picked up the North American distribution rights to the Lonely Castle in the Mirror anime pic from Japanese director Keiichi Hara.
The film, adapted from the novel of the same name by Mizuki Tsujimura, is set for a summer release theatrically in its original Japanese language and a new English-dubbed version.
Lonely Castle in the Mirror portrays a shy outcast teen, voiced by Ami Touma, who is avoiding school when she discovers a portal in her bedroom mirror. She reaches through and is transported to an enchanting castle with six other students who are together invited by a girl in a wolf mask to play a game to uncover the mysterious connection that unites them — and anyone breaking the rules will be eaten by a wolf.
The film, with animation from the A-1 Pictures, has a Japanese voice cast that includes Takumi Kitamura, Sakura Kiryu, Rihito Itagaki, Naho Yokomizo,...
The film, adapted from the novel of the same name by Mizuki Tsujimura, is set for a summer release theatrically in its original Japanese language and a new English-dubbed version.
Lonely Castle in the Mirror portrays a shy outcast teen, voiced by Ami Touma, who is avoiding school when she discovers a portal in her bedroom mirror. She reaches through and is transported to an enchanting castle with six other students who are together invited by a girl in a wolf mask to play a game to uncover the mysterious connection that unites them — and anyone breaking the rules will be eaten by a wolf.
The film, with animation from the A-1 Pictures, has a Japanese voice cast that includes Takumi Kitamura, Sakura Kiryu, Rihito Itagaki, Naho Yokomizo,...
- 4/13/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gkids has snapped up North American rights to Keiichi Hara’s Lonely Castle in the Mirror, after serving as the distributor in the territory for his past animated features Summer Days with Coo and Miss Hokusai. The film based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Mizuki Tsujimura, featuring animation from A-1 Pictures, is slated for a theatrical release in both its original Japanese language and an all-new English dub this summer.
Reuniting Hara with collaborators including screenwriter Miho Maruo, composer Harumi Fuuki and artist Ilya Kuvshinov, Lonely Castle in the Mirror follows shy outcast Kokoro, who has been avoiding school for weeks when she discovers a portal in her bedroom mirror. She reaches through and finds herself transported to an enchanting castle where she is joined by six other students. And when a girl in a wolf mask explains that they have been invited to play a game,...
Reuniting Hara with collaborators including screenwriter Miho Maruo, composer Harumi Fuuki and artist Ilya Kuvshinov, Lonely Castle in the Mirror follows shy outcast Kokoro, who has been avoiding school for weeks when she discovers a portal in her bedroom mirror. She reaches through and finds herself transported to an enchanting castle where she is joined by six other students. And when a girl in a wolf mask explains that they have been invited to play a game,...
- 4/13/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
This review may contain spoilers.
Yusuke Hirota makes his directorial debut with STUDIO4 ºC on “Poupelle of Chimney Town” (2020). The director is not new to the film scene, however. Hirota previously worked with the studio as a CGI artist on projects like “Berserk” (2012) and “Mind Game” (2004). Likewise, “Poupelle” is not news, either. Comedian-turned-author Akihiro Nishino worked closely with Hirota to make “Poupelle” an extension of his previously published storybook. While the book covers around “three to four chapters” of Nishino’s ideas, the film intends to cover around “ten” – making it effectively an extension of the world that the book began.
“Poupelle of Chimney Town” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
As a result, “Poupelle of Chimney Town” (the movie) feels like a hodgepodge of storylines that combine into one. Here, under the walled, smog-covered skies of Chimneytown, Lubicchi (Mana Ashida) is a lonely chimney sweep.
Yusuke Hirota makes his directorial debut with STUDIO4 ºC on “Poupelle of Chimney Town” (2020). The director is not new to the film scene, however. Hirota previously worked with the studio as a CGI artist on projects like “Berserk” (2012) and “Mind Game” (2004). Likewise, “Poupelle” is not news, either. Comedian-turned-author Akihiro Nishino worked closely with Hirota to make “Poupelle” an extension of his previously published storybook. While the book covers around “three to four chapters” of Nishino’s ideas, the film intends to cover around “ten” – making it effectively an extension of the world that the book began.
“Poupelle of Chimney Town” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
As a result, “Poupelle of Chimney Town” (the movie) feels like a hodgepodge of storylines that combine into one. Here, under the walled, smog-covered skies of Chimneytown, Lubicchi (Mana Ashida) is a lonely chimney sweep.
- 3/2/2023
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
Films about manga aficionados are not exactly a rarity in Japanese cinema, considering the size of the particular industry both in the country and internationally. Shunsuke Kariyama, however, instead of moving into romantic paths, chooses to channel the main premises of Bl (boy’s love manga), in an almost opposite fashion, as the movie focuses on the friendly relationship of two women, a teenager and an older one.
Bl Metamorphosis is screening as part of Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2023
Yuki Ichinoi is a feisty elderly woman who spends her time alone after the death of her husband, teaching calligraphy to children. One day, she enters a bookstore and stumbles upon a Bl manga, which she proceeds to buy out of curiosity, also because she liked the cover. The clerk of the store, seventeen-year-old Urara, a highschool student and part-timer there, is surprised to see someone at the age of Yuki buying such a title,...
Bl Metamorphosis is screening as part of Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2023
Yuki Ichinoi is a feisty elderly woman who spends her time alone after the death of her husband, teaching calligraphy to children. One day, she enters a bookstore and stumbles upon a Bl manga, which she proceeds to buy out of curiosity, also because she liked the cover. The clerk of the store, seventeen-year-old Urara, a highschool student and part-timer there, is surprised to see someone at the age of Yuki buying such a title,...
- 2/8/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Atsushi Omori’s interest in the various aspects of religion became evident from his “blasphemous” debut, “Whispering of the Gods”, back in 2005. Although his style has developed exponentially since then, the interest on the topic and of people living on the borders of society remained, and “Under the Stars” highlights the fact in the most eloquent fashion.
“Under the Stars” is screening at Nippon Connection
The story is based on Natsuko Imamura’s novel “Hoshi No Ko” and revolves around Chihiro, who, as the movie begins, is a baby suffering from eczema. Her parents try to find a cure, but nothing works. That is until a colleague of her father gives him some water from a strange religious group that eventually is proven to be a cult. Chihiro is actually cured, and her parents begin to follow this religion, becoming fervent followers. Years later, Chihiro is a student in the...
“Under the Stars” is screening at Nippon Connection
The story is based on Natsuko Imamura’s novel “Hoshi No Ko” and revolves around Chihiro, who, as the movie begins, is a baby suffering from eczema. Her parents try to find a cure, but nothing works. That is until a colleague of her father gives him some water from a strange religious group that eventually is proven to be a cult. Chihiro is actually cured, and her parents begin to follow this religion, becoming fervent followers. Years later, Chihiro is a student in the...
- 5/30/2022
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The profound cultural impact of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami cannot be overstated. There are countless examples of how Japanese cinema has been influenced by national disasters over the years, with Shinya Kawatsura’s “The House of the Lost on the Cape” marking one of the latest films to fit into this category. Based on Sachiko Kashiwaba’s award-winning novel of the same name, the film tells a sweet and reassuring tale centred around grief and family.
“The House of the Lost on the Cape” is screening as part of the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme
After the Tohoku disaster levels the town of Kitsunezaki, the teenaged Yui (Mana Ashida) uses the subsequent commotion to run away from her troubled home life. Shortly after befriending the orphaned Hiyori (Sari Awano) at a relief centre, the two girls are taken in by Kiwa-san (Shinobu Otake), a mysterious yet kindly old woman who poses as their grandmother.
“The House of the Lost on the Cape” is screening as part of the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme
After the Tohoku disaster levels the town of Kitsunezaki, the teenaged Yui (Mana Ashida) uses the subsequent commotion to run away from her troubled home life. Shortly after befriending the orphaned Hiyori (Sari Awano) at a relief centre, the two girls are taken in by Kiwa-san (Shinobu Otake), a mysterious yet kindly old woman who poses as their grandmother.
- 2/6/2022
- by Tom Wilmot
- AsianMoviePulse
A strong contender for the finest animated film of 2021, Poupelle Of Chimney Town is a high concept fantasy film charting the adventures of young chimney sweep Lubicchi (Mana Ashida), a boy who, despite his fear of heights, strives to climb as high as he can in the hope of seeing the stars. This was his father’s dream and his father has been missing for a long time, perhaps a victim of Chimney Town’s secretive authoritarian government, which doesn’t like the concept of stars. Smoke has blotted out the sky for as long as anybody can remember and it suits them to keep their people believing that the city is the whole world. So far, Lubicchi has been too small to concerns them, but he’s reached the age when colleagues are starting to warn him that he needs to be more circumspect. Everything comes to a head when he meets.
- 12/28/2021
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
"The entire ocean has begun moving." GKids has unveiled an official Us trailer for the Japanese anime film titled Children of the Sea, which has been playing at a few film festivals last year (after initially opening in Japan in the summer). This is the latest feature made by Japan's Studio 4°C, and is directed by Ayumu Watanabe, with a score by award-winning composer and longtime Studio Ghibli collaborator Joe Hisaishi. The story involves a young girl named Ruka who is drawn into a mystery involving sealife around the world, in which two mysterious water-connected boys are involved. Of course, she falls in love with one of them. Starring the voices of Mana Ashida, Hiiro Ishibashi, Seishû Uragami, and Win Morisaki in the original version. It's a funky film, with a few quirky, odd moments, along with the usual cute, fun moments in so many anime films these ...
- 2/18/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Part of a very successful franchise that also includes a manga and an anime, “Bunny Drop” takes a lighter approach to the family drama genre.
Daikichi Kawachi is 27 years old, single and a successful businessperson, but without being very rich. At one point, he returns to his family’s house, that he has not visited for a long time, to attend his grandfather’s funeral. Once there, he discovers in amazement that a new member has been added to the family: the 6-year-old Rin Kaga, baseborn daughter of his deceased grandfather, from a woman who tended to him the last few years. Her mother has abandoned her and the rest of the family is determined to give her up for an adoption. In a moment of thoughtless enthusiasm, Daikichi decides to adopt the little girl, a decision that immediately makes him face on the hardships of single parenting.
Daikichi Kawachi is 27 years old, single and a successful businessperson, but without being very rich. At one point, he returns to his family’s house, that he has not visited for a long time, to attend his grandfather’s funeral. Once there, he discovers in amazement that a new member has been added to the family: the 6-year-old Rin Kaga, baseborn daughter of his deceased grandfather, from a woman who tended to him the last few years. Her mother has abandoned her and the rest of the family is determined to give her up for an adoption. In a moment of thoughtless enthusiasm, Daikichi decides to adopt the little girl, a decision that immediately makes him face on the hardships of single parenting.
- 1/1/2020
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Whether he’s passionately lauding his fellow filmmakers’ new movies, or enlightening the masses on how to create the perfect movie monster, Guillermo del Toro’s accessible and friendly social media presence has earned the director admiration for more than just his movies. As if his cuddly figure and supportive opinions weren’t enough to endear him to cinephiles, now he has a perfectly fitting new nickname: Guillermo del Totoro.
The name was coined by child actor Mana Ashida, who played young Mako (Rinko Kikuchi) in del Toro’s 2013 monster movie, “Pacific Rim.” Ashida, who is Japanese, could not pronounce del Toro’s name, so she asked if she could call him “Totoro-san,” as a reference to Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbor Totoro.” Del Toro confirmed the story a few days ago on Twitter, solidifying his place as one of the nicest directors in show business.
Read More:‘Suspiria’ Rediscovered:...
The name was coined by child actor Mana Ashida, who played young Mako (Rinko Kikuchi) in del Toro’s 2013 monster movie, “Pacific Rim.” Ashida, who is Japanese, could not pronounce del Toro’s name, so she asked if she could call him “Totoro-san,” as a reference to Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbor Totoro.” Del Toro confirmed the story a few days ago on Twitter, solidifying his place as one of the nicest directors in show business.
Read More:‘Suspiria’ Rediscovered:...
- 8/29/2017
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
There is no question that writer/director Guillermo Del Toro is adored by his fans and now we all have even more reason to admire the legendary filmmaker. Earlier this week, the director of The Shape Of Water confirmed something that allegedly happened on the set of his giant monster movie Pacific Rim.
Via Twitter, a fan asked Del Toro if he allowed one of his young cast members to address him "Totoro-san" similar to the cuddly anime forest spirit from the beloved Studio Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro. Mana Ashida, who played the child version of Mako, had trouble pronouncing Del Toro’s name, so he gave her permission to call him that. The story has been floating around the internet for a while now, but Del Toro has officially confirmed it to be true.
@RealGDT is this true? I hope so because it's just lovely. pic.twitter.com...
Via Twitter, a fan asked Del Toro if he allowed one of his young cast members to address him "Totoro-san" similar to the cuddly anime forest spirit from the beloved Studio Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro. Mana Ashida, who played the child version of Mako, had trouble pronouncing Del Toro’s name, so he gave her permission to call him that. The story has been floating around the internet for a while now, but Del Toro has officially confirmed it to be true.
@RealGDT is this true? I hope so because it's just lovely. pic.twitter.com...
- 8/28/2017
- by Kristian Odland
- GeekTyrant
Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim is a fantasy come true for anyone who grew up in awe of mechs and other massive, humanoid characters from Japanese anime. The director was inspired by multiple pop-culture references, including the Gundam Series, for his battle between human mech pilots and oceanic aliens. And if you were too, here's a clip from Japanese television that will make you smile. Del Toro was filmed with Pacific Rim stars Rinko Kikuchi and Mana Ashida wandering Tokyo, eating ice cream and staring longingly at 10,000 Gundam figurines in some kind of mech museum. He reveals that the Russian mech in his movie, Cherno Alpha, was inspired in part by Zack from the Gundam series. Del Toro is a kid in a candy shop when he spots a gigantic robot, bowing and smiling...
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- 8/13/2013
- by Alison Nastasi
- Movies.com
We start the Top 7. You finish the Top 10.
Pacific Rim is without a doubt my favorite film of the summer. Indeed, I can’t think of a recent big summer movie I’ve loved anywhere near this much. The action, the visuals, and the sheer spectacle on display are second to none. Beyond that, though, I genuinely like the story and characters. While Travis Beacham and Guillermo del Toro’s screenplay isn’t going to be accused of being the most original thing in the world, the way everything is put together feels so fresh. I’m a big fan of how streamlined and straightforward the story is. Everything about the world is so vivid that it doesn’t need a convoluted, labyrinthine plot to hold up. It works because it delivers heroes doing everything in their power to save the world from monsters (Kaiju) hellbent on destroying it.
About the characters,...
Pacific Rim is without a doubt my favorite film of the summer. Indeed, I can’t think of a recent big summer movie I’ve loved anywhere near this much. The action, the visuals, and the sheer spectacle on display are second to none. Beyond that, though, I genuinely like the story and characters. While Travis Beacham and Guillermo del Toro’s screenplay isn’t going to be accused of being the most original thing in the world, the way everything is put together feels so fresh. I’m a big fan of how streamlined and straightforward the story is. Everything about the world is so vivid that it doesn’t need a convoluted, labyrinthine plot to hold up. It works because it delivers heroes doing everything in their power to save the world from monsters (Kaiju) hellbent on destroying it.
About the characters,...
- 7/17/2013
- by Shane T. Nier
- The Scorecard Review
Grown Ups 2 beats original Grown Ups, Pacific Rim disappoints on opening weekend: Box office (photo: Taylor Lautner in Grown Ups 2) Here’s a quick rundown of the top twelve movies at the North American box office this weekend, July 12-14, 2013. Universal’s Despicable Me 2, featuring the voices of Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig, was the no. 1 movie, with an estimated $44.75 million — down a not inconsiderable 46% — according to figures found at Box Office Mojo. Despicable Me 2‘s cume currently stands at $229.23 million. The no. 2 movie was the $80 million-budgeted Adam Sandler comedy Grown Ups 2 — which North American critics apparently feel plays out like a tragedy, what with a dismal 9% approval rating and 3.2/10 average at Rotten Tomatoes. Anyhow, American and Canadian audiences seem to be thirsty for tragedies: Grown Ups 2 scored $42.5 million and a solid $12,174 per-theater average. Besides Sandler, the Dennis Dugan-directed Grown Ups 2 also features Chris Rock,...
- 7/15/2013
- by Zac Gille
- Alt Film Guide
Pacific Rim weekend box office: Likely trailing Grown Ups 2, Despicable Me 2 (Photo: Charlie Hunnam in Pacific Rim) Despite a quite promising Thursday evening start, Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim should not get even close to the $50 million mark at the domestic box office this weekend, July 12-14, 2013. Del Toro’s homage to Japanese monsters movies of the ’50s and ’60s has lost quite a bit of steam, apparently after IMAX pre-sales ran their course. According to studio estimates found at Box Office Mojo, Pacific Rim took in $14.62 million on Friday, July 12, including a better-than-expected $3.6 million from Thursday evening and midnight shows. Of Thursday’s figure, an estimated $835,000 originated from 331 IMAX theaters — out of a total of 3,275 venues. IMAX locations have likely continued to boost Pacific Rim‘s box-office fortunes throughout the weekend, but what about the film’s other 2,944 North American venues? Pacific Rim vs. Prometheus, Inception...
- 7/14/2013
- by Zac Gille
- Alt Film Guide
Pacific Rim box office: Guillermo del Toro’s monster movie to reach $50 million in North America? (Photo: A shirtless Charlie Hunnam uses his biceps to scare off the Kaiju in Pacific Rim) Could Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim reach $50 million at the domestic box office by Sunday evening (July 14, 2013)? Thursday evening and midnight shows brought in a somewhat better-than-expected $3.6 million according to studio estimates found at Box Office Mojo. Comparisons to Ridley Scott’s Prometheus, which took in $3.56 million from midnight screenings in early June 2012, are iffy; after all, Scott’s horror sci-fier was rated R, and, unlike Pacific Rim, it wasn’t sold as a cinematic fanboy event along the lines of Michael Bay’s Transformers movies, or Man of Steel, The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, and the like. And fanboy events (much like fangirl events, e.g., the Twilight movies), unless accompanied by phenomenal word of mouth and highly positive reviews,...
- 7/13/2013
- by Zac Gille
- Alt Film Guide
Pacific Rim review: No mistaking it for a character piece (photo: Kaiju attacks Sydney in Pacific Rim) [See previous post: "Pacific Rim Review: Dumb Movie, Smart Director."] After losing his brother to the Kaiju, Raleigh went off the grid for five years only to be called back into service by his commanding officer, the improbably-named Stacker Pentecost (an imposing, riveting Idris Elba). After Raleigh disappeared, the Jaeger program was cancelled in favor of a new strategy that has proven ineffective. So Pentecost needs Raleigh to co-pilot one of four remaining Jaegers (one each from Russia, China, Australia, and America) in a last-ditch effort to save the world. His co-pilot might be a rookie who has her own history with the Kaiju, the reserved yet capable, Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi). In focusing almost entirely on lumbering, clanging, roaring fight sequences, Guillermo del Toro knows what he’s sacrificing and, in his quest to bring childhood favorites like Godzilla and War of the Gargantuas to big-budget life,...
- 7/12/2013
- by Mark Keizer
- Alt Film Guide
Chicago – Leave it to the wondrous auteur, director Guillermo del Toro, to push the boundaries of giant science fiction epics simply by paying homage to their predecessors. The grand, glorious embrace of “Pacific Rim” leaves no stone of cult film fun unturned.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Yes, the story is sappy and has been done before, but it is in the twists to these conventions that sets “Pacific Rim” apart. Unlike, for example, “Star Trek Into Darkness,” it is the characters who are as big as life as the giant robots that do battle with an underground army of monstrous dinosaur-like creatures. Sound familiar? Yeah, it’s a tribute to Godzilla, and Transformers, and Giant Robots, and the ingenuity of man to come up with something audacious and cumbersome when faced with the end of the world. The film’s cast is dead serious and mockingly funny, which makes them all the more human when facing the end.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Yes, the story is sappy and has been done before, but it is in the twists to these conventions that sets “Pacific Rim” apart. Unlike, for example, “Star Trek Into Darkness,” it is the characters who are as big as life as the giant robots that do battle with an underground army of monstrous dinosaur-like creatures. Sound familiar? Yeah, it’s a tribute to Godzilla, and Transformers, and Giant Robots, and the ingenuity of man to come up with something audacious and cumbersome when faced with the end of the world. The film’s cast is dead serious and mockingly funny, which makes them all the more human when facing the end.
- 7/11/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
We told you earlier that a Pacific Rim game was in the works from Yuke's, and right now we can confirm that it will be a fighting game and it will be rated "M for Mature" due to Fantasy Violence. Finishers maybe? Check out these new screenshots!
From the Press Release
When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes - a washed...
From the Press Release
When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes - a washed...
- 5/7/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Yuke's has announced a collaboration with Legendary Pictures and Warner Brothers Entertainment to bring a Pacific Rim video game to the fans. Players will learn more about the game this summer when more details are finalized.
From the Press Release
When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) who...
From the Press Release
When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) who...
- 5/6/2013
- by Amanda Dyar
- DreadCentral.com
Director Guillermo del Toro has a message for all you Japanese folks out there in Japan Land — this new “Pacific Rim” trailer is just for you, and to prove that point, there are additional scenes of actress Mana Ashida, who plays the young Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi’s character) in the film. And, um, that’s pretty much it. Of course it helps that “Pacific Rim” looks awfully cool. I could do without the voiceover, and I’m still not buying Charlie Hunnam as the hero, but whatever, all the giant robots punching giant monsters sequences should cure all that. At the end of the day, I don’t suppose this film will win any awards, but it should win plenty of fans, though. When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end.
- 5/2/2013
- by Nix
- Beyond Hollywood
I’m pretty sure this one will play very well to the experimental drug crowd. Hell, I think I got a mild contact buzz just from watching the trailer. Based on a series of popular children’s books in Japan, “Magic Tree House” follows the adventures of two siblings who discover a tree house that allows them to travel through time. Shenanigans are expected to ensue. Keiko Kitagawa stars as Jack, while Mana Ashida will voice Annie, his kid sister. The clip we spoke about earlier lies below. “Magic Tree House” opens in Japan on January 7th,...
- 12/9/2011
- by Todd Rigney
- Beyond Hollywood
The official website for Sabu’s Bunny Drop has been updated with a full trailer.
Based on a josei manga series by Yumi Unita, the film stars Kenichi Matsuyama as a 27-year-old office worker and bachelor named Daikichi who notices a little girl named Rin (Mana Ashida) at his grandfather’s funeral. He soon discovers that she’s actually the illegitimate daughter of his grandfather by an unknown mother, and that there’s really no one else around to care for her due to the social stigma attached.
Unwilling to place Rin in care as other family members urge him to, Daikichi instead decides to take on the responsibility of raising her himself. Although Daikichi is a bit clumsy at first due to his inexperience with children, he does the best he can as the unorthodox relationship he has with his 6-year-old half-aunt slowly evolves into one of a father and daughter.
Based on a josei manga series by Yumi Unita, the film stars Kenichi Matsuyama as a 27-year-old office worker and bachelor named Daikichi who notices a little girl named Rin (Mana Ashida) at his grandfather’s funeral. He soon discovers that she’s actually the illegitimate daughter of his grandfather by an unknown mother, and that there’s really no one else around to care for her due to the social stigma attached.
Unwilling to place Rin in care as other family members urge him to, Daikichi instead decides to take on the responsibility of raising her himself. Although Daikichi is a bit clumsy at first due to his inexperience with children, he does the best he can as the unorthodox relationship he has with his 6-year-old half-aunt slowly evolves into one of a father and daughter.
- 4/29/2011
- Nippon Cinema
The official website for Sabu’s Usagi Drop (Bunny Drop) has been updated with a 52-second teaser trailer.
Based on a josei manga series by Yumi Unita, the film stars Kenichi Matsuyama as a young office worker named Daikichi who notices a little girl named Rin (Mana Ashida) at his grandfather’s funeral. He soon discovers that she’s actually the illegitimate daughter of his grandfather by an unknown mother, and that there’s really no one else around to care for her due to the social stigma attached. Daikichi decides to take it upon himself to raise her, even though he has no wife to help him and no experience with children.
“Usagi Drop” will be released by Showgate in Japan on August 20, 2011.
Watch »...
Based on a josei manga series by Yumi Unita, the film stars Kenichi Matsuyama as a young office worker named Daikichi who notices a little girl named Rin (Mana Ashida) at his grandfather’s funeral. He soon discovers that she’s actually the illegitimate daughter of his grandfather by an unknown mother, and that there’s really no one else around to care for her due to the social stigma attached. Daikichi decides to take it upon himself to raise her, even though he has no wife to help him and no experience with children.
“Usagi Drop” will be released by Showgate in Japan on August 20, 2011.
Watch »...
- 2/21/2011
- Nippon Cinema
Confessions, Villain, 13 Assassins, and the other winners of the 2011 Japan Academy Prize have been announced. The 34th Annual Japan Academy Prize, “often called the Japan Academy Awards or the Japanese Academy Awards, is a series of awards given annually since 1978 by the Nippon Academy-sho Association for Excellence in Japanese Film. Award categories are similar to the Academy Awards.” The award ceremony was held on February 18, 2011 at the New Takanawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo. The full listing of the 2011 Japan Academy Prize winners is below.
Picture of the Year
Kokuhaku (Confessions)
Animation of the Year
Kari-gurashi no Arietti (The Borrowers)
Director of the Year
Tetsuya Nakashima, Kokuhaku (Confessions)
Screenplay of the Year
Tetsuya Nakashima, Kokuhaku (Confessions)
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Satoshi Tsumabuki, Akunin (Villain)
Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Eri Fukatsu, Akunin (Villain)
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Akira Emoto,...
Picture of the Year
Kokuhaku (Confessions)
Animation of the Year
Kari-gurashi no Arietti (The Borrowers)
Director of the Year
Tetsuya Nakashima, Kokuhaku (Confessions)
Screenplay of the Year
Tetsuya Nakashima, Kokuhaku (Confessions)
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Satoshi Tsumabuki, Akunin (Villain)
Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Eri Fukatsu, Akunin (Villain)
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Akira Emoto,...
- 2/19/2011
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
On Thursday, an official website for Yoshishige Miyake’s upcoming film Hankyu Densha was launched with a teaser and full trailer.
Based on a novel by Hiro Arikawa which sold over 240,000 copies, the film uses the 15-minute, one-way Hankyu Imazu Line as the backdrop for several characters dealing with various issues in their lives. Miki Nakatani stars as an office worker in her 30s whose fiance is stolen away by a younger co-worker while Erika Toda plays a young college student with a good-for-nothing boyfriend. Other cast members include Nobuko Miyamoto, Mana Ashida, Kaho Minami, Mitsuki Tanimura, Kasumi Arimura, Ryo Katsuji, Tetsuji Tamayama, Yu Koyanagi, and Saki Aibu.
Toho will be releasing “Hankyu Densha” in Japan on April 23, 2011.
Based on a novel by Hiro Arikawa which sold over 240,000 copies, the film uses the 15-minute, one-way Hankyu Imazu Line as the backdrop for several characters dealing with various issues in their lives. Miki Nakatani stars as an office worker in her 30s whose fiance is stolen away by a younger co-worker while Erika Toda plays a young college student with a good-for-nothing boyfriend. Other cast members include Nobuko Miyamoto, Mana Ashida, Kaho Minami, Mitsuki Tanimura, Kasumi Arimura, Ryo Katsuji, Tetsuji Tamayama, Yu Koyanagi, and Saki Aibu.
Toho will be releasing “Hankyu Densha” in Japan on April 23, 2011.
- 2/11/2011
- Nippon Cinema
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