In 1988, Studio Ghibli simultaneously released two films in cinemas as part of a double feature consisting of “the film that always sets me off in tears” Grave of the Fireflies and “the child-friendly film that was recently released on blu-ray in Australia” My Neighbor Totoro. Since then, most of their releases have been single film releases but according to a recent announcement by the Studio their next releases could follow these two films. The two founding directors of the studio – Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata have both announced that they will each have films out in Japan during Summer 2013 on the same day – albeit seperately.
Hayao Miyazaki’s film is titled Kaze Tachinu (or The Wind is Rising) which focuses on the life of Jirou Horikoshi, designer of the famous World War II fighter plane the A6M Zero. The film has been in the works since launching a two part manga series in February 2009. This is the first film in five years that Hayao Miyazaki has directed with the story concept and screenplay written by Miyazaki himself. Music will also be composed by Joe Hisaishi. Previous films he has directed include Ponyo, Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away.
On the other hand, Isao Takahata’s latest film taps into Japanese folklore in Taketori Monogatari (or The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter). It is the story of a princess named Kaguya who was discovered as a baby inside the stalk of a glowing bamboo tree. This has been Takahata’s first film since My Neighbors the Yamada’s in 1999, but has also served as a director in a number of other titles including Only Yesterday and easily his most memorable work Grave of the Fireflies.
Australian anime publisher Madman Entertainment have not confirmed an official release date outside of Japan yet, but have claimed that it is quite likely we will see a release in 2014 in some shape or form. Madman recently released Arrietty on DVD and Blu-ray this year and have a theatrical release of From Up on Poppy Hill in cinemas next year.
