Every two years, Australian anime publisher Madman Entertainment like to hold an event known as Reel Anime. While the company does show anime films in theaters at times, just like in January this year with their release of Studio Ghibli’s film Arrietty, Reel Anime is different in which they showcase several different films over the couple of weeks it is held – with previous years showcasing Summer Wars, King of Thorn and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
Reel Anime 2012 will feature four films from four different studios – From Up on Poppy Hill (Studio Ghibli), Wolf Children (Studio Chizu / Madhouse), Children Who Chase Lost Voices (CoMix Wave Films) and Berserk – The Egg of the King (Studio 4°C). I have reported on all of this before, but as the cinemas that are showing these are limited in number (Generally one or two per state) I would like to take the time to present information, screenshots and (where applicable) reviews of the four films on offer to help you make a better decision on what to watch – or otherwise skip or wait for DVD / Blu-ray release for in the future.
Children Who Chase Lost Voices (From Deep Below)
Director – Makoto Shinkai
Having lived a lonely life ever since her father’s passing, Asuna spends her days listening to the otherworldly sounds of a crystal radio, left to her as a memento. Exploring the mountains near her home, Asuna is attacked by a strange beast. A mysterious stranger steps in to save her life, however their acquaintance is tragically cut short when the boy is killed. But when Asuna discovers a gateway to another world, she is overjoyed at the prospect of seeing him again. Alongside a band of friends who hold feelings of hope for their lost ones, Asuna undertakes a journey into a land of legends.
This release has had a run in Australia during last years Gold Coast Film Festival 2011, and had artwork / storyboards etc showcased at one of the local art galleries, Q&A Session with Noritaka Kawaguchi and of course the first showing of the film in Australia. I was fortunate enough to have attended all three of those events, and have written up a review of the film HERE. Personally it is a film I could happily recommend watching.
Rated M for Animated fantasy violence. Japanese dub with English subtitles.
Wolf Children (Ame and Yuki)
Director – Mamoru Hosada
When Hana falls in love, it feels like a fairy tale. She starts a family and produces two beautiful children – Yuki (Snow), a girl, and Ame (Rain), a boy. But the family harbours a secret – their father is a ‘Wolf-Man’, half human and half wolf, and has passed his affliction on to his children. The family try to reside discreetly in a quiet corner of the city, but their joyful life is shattered when their father passes away. To live peacefully, Hana must make the difficult decision to move Yuki and Ame to a small town and surround them with nature.
Rated PG for Mild Themes and Violence. Japanese dub with English subtitles.
From Up on Poppy Hill
Director – Goro Miyazaki
Set in Yokohama, From Up On Poppy Hill is a high school love story that take place in the year before the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics. As the country begins to pick itself up from the devastation of the Second World War, the new generation struggles to move towards a prosperous future whilst trying not to lose the essence of their past. The film’s rich and vibrant animation captures the entrancing beauty of Yokohama’s harbour and lush surrounding hillsides and, with a soundtrack that draws inspiration from the finest music of the time, perfectly captures the thrills of young romance and the hope of a new dawn.
Rated G for General Audiences. Japanese Dub with English Subtitles
Berserk – The Egg of the King
Director – Toshiyuki Kubooka
An epic action-adventure tale set against a dark, European-inspired medieval fantasy world, Berserk – The Egg of the King follows the story of Guts, a lone mercenary renowned for his ferocity and unmatched in a fight especially when armed with his imposing sword, a towering blade as tall as he. His destiny is to eventually become ‘The Black Swordsman’ and he will face untold horrors in battle.
In this first film from The Golden Age Arc trilogy, Guts’ actions in combat capture the attention of Griffith, charismatic leader of the Band of the Hawk mercenaries. Griffith soon moves to recruit Guts into their ranks despite protest from second in command, Casca, whose skill and fiery temper is matched only by loyalty to her comrades. Yet despite a slew of victories and successes, Guts begins to question Griffith’s true purpose, whose ambition may lead them all to a horrible fate.
Based on Kentaro Miura’s bestselling manga series which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide Berserk: The Golden Age Arc trilogy takes the franchise into a bold and exciting new direction. The award winning Studio 4C (Mind Game, Spriggan) bring Berserk to the screen with cutting-edge animation, intricately detailed swordplay and a gripping storyline.
Rated MA15+ for Strong bloody violence
For more information on cinema locations, check out my previous article on the matter HERE.
