Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most impactful anime for any hardcore fan’s childhood. Out of the many anime responsible for pushing people to tears, Hideaki Anno’s masterpiece stands on a pedestal of its own. The many lives it enamored and the fans that found themselves growing up with the anime also hold it close to their heart.
Neon Genesis Evangelion | Credit: Gainax
For those who found it inspiring, there were ways in which they added references or incorporated ideas that brought about even widespread projects. From Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim to the subtle similarities of Kong: Skull Island, tidbits of the anime and manga can be found all over the world. One of the most renowned works of animation, Avatar: The Last Airbender also happens to find inspiration from Anno’s work.
Neon Genesis Evangelion‘s Impact
Episode seven of Avatar: The Last Airbender...
Neon Genesis Evangelion | Credit: Gainax
For those who found it inspiring, there were ways in which they added references or incorporated ideas that brought about even widespread projects. From Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim to the subtle similarities of Kong: Skull Island, tidbits of the anime and manga can be found all over the world. One of the most renowned works of animation, Avatar: The Last Airbender also happens to find inspiration from Anno’s work.
Neon Genesis Evangelion‘s Impact
Episode seven of Avatar: The Last Airbender...
- 6/8/2024
- by Adya Godboley
- FandomWire
Anime studio Gainax announced on its official website on June 7 that the business officially filed for bankruptcy with the Tokyo District Court on May 29, with the court accepting the application. Gainax is best known as the studio that produced Neon Genesis Evangelion , Flcl , Gunbuster , Gurren Lagann and many more classic anime. The statement, penned by representative director Yasuhiro Kamimura, apologized to creditors, those who were working with Gainax to help alleviate the situation prior to the bankruptcy and fans. Kamimura wrote, “We had no choice but to choose bankruptcy because we were unable to fully achieve our goals.” Kamimura states that since 2012 Gainax’s “financial situation worsened" in relation to managing a restaurant, starting a CG company and sizeable unsecured loans to then-executives, all of which caused debt to accrue. This even led to situations where Gainax was removed from production committees they were a part of. The studio also...
- 6/8/2024
- by Daryl Harding
- Crunchyroll
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Am I Ok? (Stephanie Allyne and Tig Notaro)
A romantic comedy that functions best as a fable of friendship and self-reflection, Am I Ok? is the kind of lightweight, amiable movie that just barely earns the emotional beats at the heart of its story. Set in Los Angeles, it follows the converging life events of two best friends, Lucy (Dakota Johnson) and Jane (Sonoya Mizuno), soul sisters with opposite personalities who tell each other everything—except for the big secrets they’ve been harboring from each other. How they respond to hearing them fuels Stephanie Allyne and Tig Notaro’s gentle and wobbly feature debut. – Jake K-s. (full review)
Where to Stream: Max
Dad & Step-Dad (Tynan DeLong)
Following the stellar comedy Free Time,...
Am I Ok? (Stephanie Allyne and Tig Notaro)
A romantic comedy that functions best as a fable of friendship and self-reflection, Am I Ok? is the kind of lightweight, amiable movie that just barely earns the emotional beats at the heart of its story. Set in Los Angeles, it follows the converging life events of two best friends, Lucy (Dakota Johnson) and Jane (Sonoya Mizuno), soul sisters with opposite personalities who tell each other everything—except for the big secrets they’ve been harboring from each other. How they respond to hearing them fuels Stephanie Allyne and Tig Notaro’s gentle and wobbly feature debut. – Jake K-s. (full review)
Where to Stream: Max
Dad & Step-Dad (Tynan DeLong)
Following the stellar comedy Free Time,...
- 6/7/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Gainax, the Japanese animation studio behind such classics as Evangelion and Nadia: The Secret Of Blue Water, has reportedly filed for bankruptcy.
The studio behind some of the most successful anime movies and TV shows of all time has reportedly gone bust
Gainax, founded in 1984 and responsible for Neon Genesis Evangelion, Nadia: The Secret Of Blue Water and more besides, filed for bankruptcy in a Tokyo court in late May according to Japanese outlet Automaton Media.
Per its report (translated by Google), the company’s struggles were due to a string of bad business decisions and investments made since 2012.
Gainax’s co-founder Hideaki Anno – and creator of those above anime works – founded a separate animation studio called Khara in 2006. That company has issued its own statement that confirms Gainax’s bankruptcy, published on the 7th June.
“Our company had been aware of Gainax’s poor management and debt for some time,...
The studio behind some of the most successful anime movies and TV shows of all time has reportedly gone bust
Gainax, founded in 1984 and responsible for Neon Genesis Evangelion, Nadia: The Secret Of Blue Water and more besides, filed for bankruptcy in a Tokyo court in late May according to Japanese outlet Automaton Media.
Per its report (translated by Google), the company’s struggles were due to a string of bad business decisions and investments made since 2012.
Gainax’s co-founder Hideaki Anno – and creator of those above anime works – founded a separate animation studio called Khara in 2006. That company has issued its own statement that confirms Gainax’s bankruptcy, published on the 7th June.
“Our company had been aware of Gainax’s poor management and debt for some time,...
- 6/7/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
Comprising international premieres, short programs, and some of the country’s finest-ever films in new restorations, 2024’s Japan Cuts––running July 10-21 at New York’s Japan Society––has been unveiled. It’s in the festival’s nature that numerous works and directors are lesser-known on American shores, though a cursory search has one regularly stopping: new films by Takeshi Kitano (Kubi), Shunji Iwai (Kyrie), Shinya Tsukamoto (Shadow of Fire), and Gakuryu Ishii (The Box Man) populate the selection. Meanwhile, Hideaki Anno’s modern classic Shin Godzilla debuts in a new, black-and-white cut Shin Godzilla: ORTHOchromatic.
Its classics section is three-for-three: Ishii’s August in the Water, Shinji Somai’s Moving, and Toshiharu Ikeda Mermaid Legend, which is more or less one of the greatest films ever made. One can anticipate at least a couple of Japan Cuts’ current unknowns are tomorrow’s figureheads.
See the full lineup below:...
Its classics section is three-for-three: Ishii’s August in the Water, Shinji Somai’s Moving, and Toshiharu Ikeda Mermaid Legend, which is more or less one of the greatest films ever made. One can anticipate at least a couple of Japan Cuts’ current unknowns are tomorrow’s figureheads.
See the full lineup below:...
- 6/4/2024
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
In the wake of Hayao Miyazaki’s latest Oscar win for “The Boy and the Heron” and the VOD dominance of “Godzilla Minus One,” Japanese cinema continues to be as vital as ever to American audiences. That should make the upcoming edition of Japan Cuts, the annual film festival celebrating Japanese cinema co-produced by Japan Society, one of the most exciting events on New York cinephiles’ summer calendars.
The lineup, which IndieWire can exclusively reveal, contains a mix of American and New York premieres alongside a curated selection of newly restored classics. Notable titles include “Shin Godzilla: ORTHOchromatic,” a new black-and-white version of Hideaki Anno’s 2016 kaiju blockbuster; and “Shadow of Fire,” the war drama from “Tetsuo: The Iron Man” director Shinya Tsukamoto that premiered at the 2023 Venice Film Festival.
“We couldn’t be more amazed by this year’s festival,” Peter Tatara, director of film at Japan Society, who...
The lineup, which IndieWire can exclusively reveal, contains a mix of American and New York premieres alongside a curated selection of newly restored classics. Notable titles include “Shin Godzilla: ORTHOchromatic,” a new black-and-white version of Hideaki Anno’s 2016 kaiju blockbuster; and “Shadow of Fire,” the war drama from “Tetsuo: The Iron Man” director Shinya Tsukamoto that premiered at the 2023 Venice Film Festival.
“We couldn’t be more amazed by this year’s festival,” Peter Tatara, director of film at Japan Society, who...
- 6/4/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Acchon burike! Pinoko — Black Jack's pint-sized sidekick — will come to life on television next month as the upcoming live-action adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's classic Black Jack premieres in Japan on June 30. Issey Takahashi (Rohan in the live-action Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan movies) will play the unconventional physician. Today, TV Asahi announced that child actress Yuno Nagao will appear as Pinoko. Nagao recently appeared Osoma in the live-action Golden Kamuy , and can now be seen in a new poster doing Pinoko's signature shocked expression: Related: 1st Black Jack TV Drama in 24 Years Premieres in 2024 Despite looking like a child, Pinoko is technically 18 years old. To be specific, she was once a teratoma living in her twin sister's body. After Black Jack solved the twins' unusual case, Pinoko became his assistant and sidekick. Nagao says Black Jack is a family favorite, and she put a lot of effort into preserving...
- 5/21/2024
- by Kara Dennison
- Crunchyroll
Hideaki Anno Hints at Plans for New Evangelion Anime - Main Image
After the release of the fourth Rebuild of Evangelion movie, it seemed that the series was officially over, but that might not be the case. In a recent interview, series creator Hideaki Anno hinted at potential plans for a new Evangelion anime.
The Asahi Shimbun newspaper recently shared an interview with Anno. There, he mentioned what the future may hold for the iconic franchise.
Anno did not specifically mention that an anime is in the works, or even in pre-production. He did mention that the franchise is open for new projects, albeit with one key difference from the previous ones.
Evangelion Creator Addresses Plans for Future Projects
Hideaki Anno is no doubt one of the most influential directors in the anime industry. This is thanks to his iconic work Neon Genesis Evangelion.
When the first TV anime was...
After the release of the fourth Rebuild of Evangelion movie, it seemed that the series was officially over, but that might not be the case. In a recent interview, series creator Hideaki Anno hinted at potential plans for a new Evangelion anime.
The Asahi Shimbun newspaper recently shared an interview with Anno. There, he mentioned what the future may hold for the iconic franchise.
Anno did not specifically mention that an anime is in the works, or even in pre-production. He did mention that the franchise is open for new projects, albeit with one key difference from the previous ones.
Evangelion Creator Addresses Plans for Future Projects
Hideaki Anno is no doubt one of the most influential directors in the anime industry. This is thanks to his iconic work Neon Genesis Evangelion.
When the first TV anime was...
- 5/16/2024
- EpicStream
Anime fans might not know this, but Hideaki Anno’s Neon Genesis Evangelion was probably one of the first anime series to revolutionize the anime world by introducing giant robot monsters fighting with each other while being piloted mostly by teenagers. While there were other series that were working on such narratives, no one was able to make it as big as Anno.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
And now, after two decades, the creator of the series has once again highlighted the intention of creating a sequel to one of the biggest series of all time; however, there is a twist to this. Anno has stated that there is a world where he might not be the one to create it; rather, he would pass the baton to someone else.
Also, while talking about the potential sequel, Anno pointed out that the new anime fans don’t prefer new visuals and...
Neon Genesis Evangelion
And now, after two decades, the creator of the series has once again highlighted the intention of creating a sequel to one of the biggest series of all time; however, there is a twist to this. Anno has stated that there is a world where he might not be the one to create it; rather, he would pass the baton to someone else.
Also, while talking about the potential sequel, Anno pointed out that the new anime fans don’t prefer new visuals and...
- 5/15/2024
- by Tarun Kohli
- FandomWire
by Hiranmoy Lahiri
The article contains spoilers
Godzilla (Gojira), the beloved fictional movie monster, is a favorite among viewers. Since 1954, Godzilla has been wreaking havoc on screens, terrifying and delighting audiences. The genesis of this creature can be traced back to something profoundly serious and devastating: thermonuclear weapons and the tangible threats they pose to humanity.
The first instalment in the series was “Godzilla” (1954), directed by Ishirō Honda and produced by Toho Studios. Going beyond a simple horror/monster movie, it drew inspiration from a real-life event involving the ‘Lucky Dragon No. 5' (Daigo Fukuryū Maru) tuna fishing boat. This vessel was navigating in waters near the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, not far from the area where the American military had chosen to conduct a test of a hydrogen bomb (a thermonuclear device). The United States government had predicted that the area would be safe, but the power...
The article contains spoilers
Godzilla (Gojira), the beloved fictional movie monster, is a favorite among viewers. Since 1954, Godzilla has been wreaking havoc on screens, terrifying and delighting audiences. The genesis of this creature can be traced back to something profoundly serious and devastating: thermonuclear weapons and the tangible threats they pose to humanity.
The first instalment in the series was “Godzilla” (1954), directed by Ishirō Honda and produced by Toho Studios. Going beyond a simple horror/monster movie, it drew inspiration from a real-life event involving the ‘Lucky Dragon No. 5' (Daigo Fukuryū Maru) tuna fishing boat. This vessel was navigating in waters near the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, not far from the area where the American military had chosen to conduct a test of a hydrogen bomb (a thermonuclear device). The United States government had predicted that the area would be safe, but the power...
- 5/10/2024
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
Characters are more often associated with their iconographies, which provide them with an enduring legacy through the ages. When readers think of Sherlock Holmes, the pipe and the iconic hat immediately come to mind; the bat insignia is a cue to Gotham’s caped crusader; and similarly, the mention of Godzilla always evokes the mental image of the atomic monster unleashing its fierce, nuclear-powered breath—akin to the fire-breathing dragons of ancient mythology.
Atomic Breath has been an integral part of the big G’s identity since the character’s first appearance and has been showcased in almost all of Toho Studio’s 30+ cinematic ventures involving Godzilla. Irrespective of the tone and treatment of the movie, whether it’s the campy fun of the Showa era or the grounded, dark approach of the present Reiwa era, makers have always made sure that each version of Godzilla asserts their individuality through their respective atomic breath.
Atomic Breath has been an integral part of the big G’s identity since the character’s first appearance and has been showcased in almost all of Toho Studio’s 30+ cinematic ventures involving Godzilla. Irrespective of the tone and treatment of the movie, whether it’s the campy fun of the Showa era or the grounded, dark approach of the present Reiwa era, makers have always made sure that each version of Godzilla asserts their individuality through their respective atomic breath.
- 5/7/2024
- by Siddhartha Das
- Film Fugitives
Kaiju No. 8, Naoya Matsumoto’s masterpiece has been adapted into the anime series and is scheduled to release on April 13, 2024. The series has created a lot of buzz among the fans of the Kaiju No. 8 manga series who eagerly await the anime series created by Production I.G. Additionally, the series will be the first ever anime to be live-streamed on X(Formerly Twitter).
Kaiju No. 8
Recently the creators of the series revealed that the famous pop rock band, One Republic will perform the ending theme of the series, while the opening theme will be created by British singer Yungblud, featuring Imagine Dragons. The revelation came as an unexpected shock to the fans of the series.
While most of the fans were happy to see the collaboration between them, others expressed disappointment and believed that One Republic and Yungblud wouldn’t be able to do justice to the series.
Kaiju No. 8
Recently the creators of the series revealed that the famous pop rock band, One Republic will perform the ending theme of the series, while the opening theme will be created by British singer Yungblud, featuring Imagine Dragons. The revelation came as an unexpected shock to the fans of the series.
While most of the fans were happy to see the collaboration between them, others expressed disappointment and believed that One Republic and Yungblud wouldn’t be able to do justice to the series.
- 4/4/2024
- by Tarun Kohli
- FandomWire
Spoilers follow.
Ah, the double feature. Old Hollywood studios devised it as a way to run (B) movies too short or cheap to merit full price, but there's something undeniably fun about watching two movies back to back. The success of the unofficial double feature that defined 2023, "Barbenheimer," suggests I'm not alone in feeling this; comparing two films is a fun exercise, especially if you can find unexpected similarities.
Two masterpieces are back in the news this week in a great coincidence: "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" celebrates its 20th anniversary, while anime classic "The End of Evangelion" received its first-ever official U.S. theatrical release.
"Eternal Sunshine" is a sci-fi love story; Joel (Jim Carrey) discovers his ex-girlfriend Clementine (Kate Winslet) had all her memories of him erased; he decides to do the same to his memories of her. "The End of Evangelion" is the conclusion of the TV show "Neon Genesis Evangelion,...
Ah, the double feature. Old Hollywood studios devised it as a way to run (B) movies too short or cheap to merit full price, but there's something undeniably fun about watching two movies back to back. The success of the unofficial double feature that defined 2023, "Barbenheimer," suggests I'm not alone in feeling this; comparing two films is a fun exercise, especially if you can find unexpected similarities.
Two masterpieces are back in the news this week in a great coincidence: "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" celebrates its 20th anniversary, while anime classic "The End of Evangelion" received its first-ever official U.S. theatrical release.
"Eternal Sunshine" is a sci-fi love story; Joel (Jim Carrey) discovers his ex-girlfriend Clementine (Kate Winslet) had all her memories of him erased; he decides to do the same to his memories of her. "The End of Evangelion" is the conclusion of the TV show "Neon Genesis Evangelion,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
In the Japanese animated movie industry, the Evangelion series is considered one of the pioneers. The most latest movie in the collection was Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time and it was a sure hit. It is the fourth and last movie in the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise’s Rebuild of Evangelion film series, which is produced by Studio Khara.
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
The film’s plot centers on Shinji Ikari, who is still lost and without hope after losing his will to life, but discovers what it means to have hope in a new location. In the end, Wille takes one more, difficult stance to stop the Final Impact, and the Instrumentality Project is launched. It was launched on March 8, 2021, and garnered positive feedback from both fans and critics.
Hideaki Anno co-directed, wrote, and produced the movie and it was probably the biggest film in the franchise.
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
The film’s plot centers on Shinji Ikari, who is still lost and without hope after losing his will to life, but discovers what it means to have hope in a new location. In the end, Wille takes one more, difficult stance to stop the Final Impact, and the Instrumentality Project is launched. It was launched on March 8, 2021, and garnered positive feedback from both fans and critics.
Hideaki Anno co-directed, wrote, and produced the movie and it was probably the biggest film in the franchise.
- 3/21/2024
- by Tarun Kohli
- FandomWire
In the animated "Avatar: The Last Airbender," the Avatar is meant to be a bridge between the human and the spirit worlds, a neutral party who can keep the two realms in equilibrium. Avatar Aang first ventures into the spirit world in the seventh episode of season 1: "The Spirit World."
In this episode, Aang and co. visit Senlin Village, a small forested town in the Earth Kingdom. A Fire Nation attack left the neighboring forest burnt down. The village's troubles don't end there, for they're being attacked at night by a monstrous spirit, Hei Bai. Aang learns that Hei Bai is the guardian of the forest and has been angered by its destruction (a la "Princess Mononoke"). He helps the black-and-white spirit understand what happened, and Hei Bai returns to his docile natural form: a giant panda.
This episode was loosely adapted in Netflix's new live-action remake of "Avatar: The Last Airbender,...
In this episode, Aang and co. visit Senlin Village, a small forested town in the Earth Kingdom. A Fire Nation attack left the neighboring forest burnt down. The village's troubles don't end there, for they're being attacked at night by a monstrous spirit, Hei Bai. Aang learns that Hei Bai is the guardian of the forest and has been angered by its destruction (a la "Princess Mononoke"). He helps the black-and-white spirit understand what happened, and Hei Bai returns to his docile natural form: a giant panda.
This episode was loosely adapted in Netflix's new live-action remake of "Avatar: The Last Airbender,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Godzilla is the most famous monster in movie history, so coming up with a transcendent design in the modern day is no easy feat. The original 1954 film used special effects that were groundbreaking at the time: a man in a massive suit knocking over miniature sets. The scaly monster in that picture changed filmmaking for good, and contemporary movies are still trying to conjure up that same level of awe.
The 2010s saw a resurgence of Godzilla and his monster kin, as the American MonsterVerse series revived the classic blockbuster form. In Japan, the Reiwa era ushered in modern classics like "Shin Godzilla" and "Godzilla: Minus One." Though these films may differ in story and style, they all build upon their predecessors, creating bigger, stronger, and more technically advanced creatures than ever before.
How do these monsters come to life? A lot of CGI, extensive green screen backgrounds, and a...
The 2010s saw a resurgence of Godzilla and his monster kin, as the American MonsterVerse series revived the classic blockbuster form. In Japan, the Reiwa era ushered in modern classics like "Shin Godzilla" and "Godzilla: Minus One." Though these films may differ in story and style, they all build upon their predecessors, creating bigger, stronger, and more technically advanced creatures than ever before.
How do these monsters come to life? A lot of CGI, extensive green screen backgrounds, and a...
- 2/26/2024
- by Kira Deshler
- Slash Film
Gkids announced on Wednesday that it will soon be bringing The End of Evangelion, the feature follow-up to Hideaki Anno’s influential anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, to North American theaters for the first time. The film will be screened in its original Japanese language with English subtitles, bowing in select theaters nationwide on March 17th and 20th.
Premiering in Japan in 1995, Neon Genesis Evangelion follows the story of Shinji Ikari, a reluctant teenager who is recruited by the shadowy organization Nerv to pilot a giant bio-mechanical robot called an Evangelion to defend Tokyo-3 from monstrous beings known as Angels. As Shinji grapples with his complex relationships with his distant father, Gendo, and his enigmatic fellow pilots, Rei and Asuka, he is forced to confront his own fears, insecurities, and the existential questions raised by the apocalyptic battles he faces.
The End of Evangelion was originally released in 1997, as...
Premiering in Japan in 1995, Neon Genesis Evangelion follows the story of Shinji Ikari, a reluctant teenager who is recruited by the shadowy organization Nerv to pilot a giant bio-mechanical robot called an Evangelion to defend Tokyo-3 from monstrous beings known as Angels. As Shinji grapples with his complex relationships with his distant father, Gendo, and his enigmatic fellow pilots, Rei and Asuka, he is forced to confront his own fears, insecurities, and the existential questions raised by the apocalyptic battles he faces.
The End of Evangelion was originally released in 1997, as...
- 2/21/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Gkids will bring the 1997 animated feature “End of Evangelion” to select theaters for event screenings on March 17 and 20, marking the first time the film has been shown in theaters in North America. It will screen in Japanese with English subtitles.
Created by Hideaki Anno, the “Neon Genesis Evangelion” TV series has become a global phenomenon since its 1995 premiere in Japan.
The “End of Evangelion” movie was created as an alternative ending to the TV series, remaking the final two episodes.
Gkids released the original 26 episode TV series in 2022, as well as the films “Evangelion: Death (True)2 and “The End of Evangelion” on Blu-ray and digital download in North America. Gkids also released the final installment of the new theatrical editions of the Evangelion franchise, “Evangelion:3.0+ Thrice Upon a Time,” in theaters and on Blu-ray and digital download.
‘Poor Things,’ ‘The Last of Us’ Among ASCAP Composers’ Choice Awards Nominees
The American Society of Composers,...
Created by Hideaki Anno, the “Neon Genesis Evangelion” TV series has become a global phenomenon since its 1995 premiere in Japan.
The “End of Evangelion” movie was created as an alternative ending to the TV series, remaking the final two episodes.
Gkids released the original 26 episode TV series in 2022, as well as the films “Evangelion: Death (True)2 and “The End of Evangelion” on Blu-ray and digital download in North America. Gkids also released the final installment of the new theatrical editions of the Evangelion franchise, “Evangelion:3.0+ Thrice Upon a Time,” in theaters and on Blu-ray and digital download.
‘Poor Things,’ ‘The Last of Us’ Among ASCAP Composers’ Choice Awards Nominees
The American Society of Composers,...
- 2/21/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay, Caroline Brew and Diego Ramos Bechara
- Variety Film + TV
Almost certainly settling what’ll be the greatest animated feature to play theaters this year, Gkids will grant a new release to The End of Evangelion, Hideaki Anno’s feature-length continuation / rejigging / total destruction of his iconic anime. The history of this film is long, deep, and strange, nicely summarized in Eli Friedberg’s piece on the franchise: “a still-unparalleled feat of beautiful, nightmarish animation wherein Shinji’s momentary acceptance of suicide triggers a psychosexual Gnostic apocalypse somewhere between Childhood’s End and Cronenberg, scored to bitterly ironic J-pop and unlike any other spectacle ever put to cel.”
All that and more––an implication of the fanbase’s evil instincts among them––when Gkids hold nationwide screenings on March 17 and March 20, ahead of which is a brief, earth-shaking teaser. Friendly suggestion: if you’ve yet to take in Anno’s anime, prioritize it ahead of next month’s showings.
Find preview...
All that and more––an implication of the fanbase’s evil instincts among them––when Gkids hold nationwide screenings on March 17 and March 20, ahead of which is a brief, earth-shaking teaser. Friendly suggestion: if you’ve yet to take in Anno’s anime, prioritize it ahead of next month’s showings.
Find preview...
- 2/21/2024
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
Never underestimate the power of toys and merchandising. Toys helped turn "Star Wars" into an empire — and got Harrison Ford mad. They also literally saved "Mobile Suit Gundam" from cancelation and turned that anime into one of the biggest Japanese media institutions, yet nearly ruined "Cowboy Bebop." Surprisingly, toys even helped bring Hideaki Anno's subversive and weird vision of "Shin Godzilla" to life.
"Shin Godzilla" is a fascinating experiment in how to reinvent a popular franchise, as well as one of the best movies starring Godzilla ever made. Anno, who also wrote and directed "Neon Genesis Evangelion," delivered a different take on the Toho icon that is more political, more satirical, and updates the nuclear analogies of the original 1954 "Godzilla" movie to modern times by drawing inspiration from the Japanese government's reaction to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. It additionally helped usher in a new golden age for the King...
"Shin Godzilla" is a fascinating experiment in how to reinvent a popular franchise, as well as one of the best movies starring Godzilla ever made. Anno, who also wrote and directed "Neon Genesis Evangelion," delivered a different take on the Toho icon that is more political, more satirical, and updates the nuclear analogies of the original 1954 "Godzilla" movie to modern times by drawing inspiration from the Japanese government's reaction to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. It additionally helped usher in a new golden age for the King...
- 2/20/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Born December 7th, 1979, Ayako Fujitani grew up in Osaka, Japan, loving movies at a young age. Whether horror, science-fiction, or drama, it didn't matter so long as it delivered. Fast forward to her teens, following an opportunity to present renowned actor Hiroyuki Sanada with a bouquet at a local film festival, something stood out to director Shusuke Kaneko. Hence, he offered her an audition opportunity for a lead part in his film “Gamera: Guardian of the Universe.” Initially hesitant but curious, the youth went to the audition but walked away feeling unsatisfied with how they did. Then, she got the part. Following guidance during the movie's production and its preceding sequels, Ayako grew as an actor, pursued more challenging roles moving forward, and also became active as a writer. Since then, she frequently works internationally.
Ayako Fujitani is a terrific actress with a lot of range who can make her characters feel real.
Ayako Fujitani is a terrific actress with a lot of range who can make her characters feel real.
- 2/18/2024
- by Sean Barry
- AsianMoviePulse
Hideaki Anno is one of the most brilliant voices in animation -- a writer, director, and animator responsible for masterpieces such as the hugely influential "Neon Genesis Evangelion" (and its many endings), but also the anime that did the same twist as Pixar's "Lightyear" much better and decades earlier. Anno additionally belongs to the prestigious club of animators who successfully made the jump to directing live-action projects alongside Phil Lord and Chris Miller, Brad Bird, Tim Burton, and more. Anno not only brought Go Nagai's "Cutie Honey" to live-action successfully, but he also reinvented iconic franchises like "Kamen Rider" and "Godzilla."
The last one is important because Anno's "Shin Godzilla" is part of a new golden age of Godzilla stories. "Shin Godzilla" is a more satirical take on the King of the Monsters and a poignant movie inspired by the Fukushima nuclear disaster, as well as the response...
The last one is important because Anno's "Shin Godzilla" is part of a new golden age of Godzilla stories. "Shin Godzilla" is a more satirical take on the King of the Monsters and a poignant movie inspired by the Fukushima nuclear disaster, as well as the response...
- 2/12/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
As we have mentioned many times before, the most successful product of Asian cinema towards the US market (apart from anime) are the action/martial arts movies, and as such, it is by no surprise that the biggest industries of the continent and particularly S.Korea have invested heavily towards the particular category, with China following close by, in a genre that, most of the time, budget is the most crucial element. In that fashion, ultra violent and stylistic is the path S. Korea productions follow (this year), while China seems to be going more towards the sci-fi now that the Ip Man franchise has become somewhat preterit. Japan choose live-action adaptation or its rather famous franchises, while the duo of Tak Sakaguchi and Yudai Yamaguchi continue their effort to produce as realistic martial arts scenes as possible. China follows the stylistic martial arts approach, while India has come up...
- 12/30/2023
- by AMP Group
- AsianMoviePulse
“Blue Christmas,” also known as “Blood Type: Blue,” is an underrated gem. Conceived when tokusatsu had phased out in popularity and American blockbusters like George Lucas's “Star Wars” were the craze, Toho aimed to make a picture light on special effects and more centered on allegory. The premise is based on the story “UFO Blue Christmas” by So Kuramoto, who was recruited as the screenwriter. Okamoto was chosen to direct, and despite his dislike of tokusatsu media, he was no stranger to social commentary throughout his filmography. Hence, he was a fitting choice. The creative liberties resulted in a sci-fi feature that explores societal prejudice with the juxtaposition of Christmas time as a backdrop. While the picture was initially a critical and financial failure upon release, it went on to gain a cult following. Nowadays, the film is more highly received in Japan, though it is still heavily underseen internationally.
- 12/22/2023
- by Sean Barry
- AsianMoviePulse
Nearing $35 million at the U.S. box office, besting the almost-$30 million it’s made internationally, it’s safe to say Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One is a monster hit. Now, following in the recent footsteps of George Miller, Bong Joon Ho, Guillermo del Toro, and more, a black-and-white version of the film titled Godzilla-1.0/C will be arriving in Japanese theaters starting January 12 and a new trailer and poster have arrived. While no U.S. release plans have been confirmed for this version, considering the success of the film here, expect news soon.
Ryan Swen said in his review of Godzilla Minus One, “For much of Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One, Toho Studios’ 33rd film in the beloved kaiju franchise, the iconic monster exists as an abstraction. After a brief, brutal rampage to start, he is kept offscreen, a shadow in the mind of our hero Kōichi...
Ryan Swen said in his review of Godzilla Minus One, “For much of Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One, Toho Studios’ 33rd film in the beloved kaiju franchise, the iconic monster exists as an abstraction. After a brief, brutal rampage to start, he is kept offscreen, a shadow in the mind of our hero Kōichi...
- 12/20/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Wake up, babe, Godzilla is pink now!
Yesterday's big reveals from Brazil's Comic Con Experience (Ccxp) included a first look at "House of the Dragon" season 2, but another powerful lizard stole the show today. The first trailer for upcoming MonsterVerse movie "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" teased a team-up between the two titular monsters, and both of them are sporting a hot new look.
King Kong acquires a mechanical brace on his arm, presumably due to a run-in with monster ape villain Skar King. But Godzilla won the prize for best-dressed kaiju by emerging from his frozen hibernation with pink energy lighting up his spines, gills, and eyes. Did Godzilla spend the summer watching "Barbie" and find himself infused with atomic Kenergy?
In combination with the blue that's also featured in the trailer," "Godzilla X Kong" continues the cinematic trend that's come to be known as "bisexual lighting" --...
Yesterday's big reveals from Brazil's Comic Con Experience (Ccxp) included a first look at "House of the Dragon" season 2, but another powerful lizard stole the show today. The first trailer for upcoming MonsterVerse movie "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" teased a team-up between the two titular monsters, and both of them are sporting a hot new look.
King Kong acquires a mechanical brace on his arm, presumably due to a run-in with monster ape villain Skar King. But Godzilla won the prize for best-dressed kaiju by emerging from his frozen hibernation with pink energy lighting up his spines, gills, and eyes. Did Godzilla spend the summer watching "Barbie" and find himself infused with atomic Kenergy?
In combination with the blue that's also featured in the trailer," "Godzilla X Kong" continues the cinematic trend that's come to be known as "bisexual lighting" --...
- 12/4/2023
- by Hannah Shaw-Williams
- Slash Film
"Godzilla Minus One" is one of the best movies of the year. This is a film that takes the King of Monsters back to basics, ignoring the other kaiju in the Tohoverse and instead doing kind of a retelling of the very first "Godzilla." Except it doesn't feel like just a remake, but a return to form. Hideaki Anno gave the franchise new life with his satirical 2016 film "Shin Godzilla," which focused more on the chaotic and often wacky reactions to Godzilla invading modern-day Japan. Now, director, writer, and VFX director Takashi Yamazaki ("Lupin III: The First") takes us back in time and makes Godzilla once again a source of pure terror and a not-at-all-subtle allegory for nuclear armageddon.
Yamazaki reinvents the titular Godzilla in fascinating ways. He adds his own touch to the iconic character's nearly 70-year history by turning Godzilla's atomic breath into a devastating weapon of mass...
Yamazaki reinvents the titular Godzilla in fascinating ways. He adds his own touch to the iconic character's nearly 70-year history by turning Godzilla's atomic breath into a devastating weapon of mass...
- 12/1/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
"Godzilla Minus One" is not only one of the best movies of the year, but one of the best "Godzilla" movies ever, with /Film's own Witney Seibold saying in his review that it includes "some of the best, most exciting destruction visuals in the franchise's long history."
The film follows in the footsteps of Hideaki Anno's "Shin Godzilla" in reinventing the king of monsters, but it also looks back at the very origins of the franchise. The result is a movie that gives us a human story as compelling and thrilling to watch as Godzilla wreaking havoc. This is a monster that is utterly terrifying, and one with an upgraded power move that is closer to the imagery of nuclear armageddon than anything in this 70-year franchise — making it a pseudo "Oppenheimer" sequel.
Director Takashi Yamazaki brings to "Godzilla Minus One" the same energy and the same great eye...
The film follows in the footsteps of Hideaki Anno's "Shin Godzilla" in reinventing the king of monsters, but it also looks back at the very origins of the franchise. The result is a movie that gives us a human story as compelling and thrilling to watch as Godzilla wreaking havoc. This is a monster that is utterly terrifying, and one with an upgraded power move that is closer to the imagery of nuclear armageddon than anything in this 70-year franchise — making it a pseudo "Oppenheimer" sequel.
Director Takashi Yamazaki brings to "Godzilla Minus One" the same energy and the same great eye...
- 12/1/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
For much of Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One, Toho Studios’ 33rd film in the beloved kaiju franchise, the iconic monster exists as an abstraction. After a brief, brutal rampage to start, he is kept offscreen, a shadow in the mind of our hero Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki). To a certain extent, this entirely symbolic usage is nothing new: the deeply ingrained allegory for nuclear annihilation that Ishiro Honda’s 1954 original presented has persisted, and often been adapted to fit the times: the most recent Japanese live-action predecessor, Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi’s ferociously incisive Shin Godzilla, tackled the tangled bureaucracy ill-equipped to deal with the Fukushima disaster head-on.
But Yamazaki moves back before the source: his prologue begins at the end of World War II, on an island where Kōichi, a would-be kamikaze pilot, touches down after claiming to have technical issues. That night, a smaller-but-still-fearsome incarnation of...
But Yamazaki moves back before the source: his prologue begins at the end of World War II, on an island where Kōichi, a would-be kamikaze pilot, touches down after claiming to have technical issues. That night, a smaller-but-still-fearsome incarnation of...
- 11/30/2023
- by Ryan Swen
- The Film Stage
Monsters have been representing primal fears since time immemorial, and the best of them are capable of adapting to evolving societal fears. From werewolves occasionally becoming metaphors for puberty to zombies going from supernatural slaves to viral consumerism, there’s plenty of multifaceted creatures to choose from. That’s why it’s fitting that the King of the Monsters himself has seen so many wildly different variations over the years.
Originally a physical manifestation of the fear of the atomic bomb, with the first film being produced a mere 7 years after the nuclear destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Godzilla would end up spawning a multimedia franchise as the radioactive dinosaur accidentally became a national icon. Over time, toys, games and countless toned-down sequels ended up diluting the character’s original purpose: to terrify audiences as a giant monster inspired by real-world horrors.
While several of these sequels would attempt to...
Originally a physical manifestation of the fear of the atomic bomb, with the first film being produced a mere 7 years after the nuclear destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Godzilla would end up spawning a multimedia franchise as the radioactive dinosaur accidentally became a national icon. Over time, toys, games and countless toned-down sequels ended up diluting the character’s original purpose: to terrify audiences as a giant monster inspired by real-world horrors.
While several of these sequels would attempt to...
- 11/29/2023
- by Luiz H. C.
- bloody-disgusting.com
A Godzilla replica in JapanPhoto: Chris McGrath (Getty Images)
Some of the best moments of the new Apple TV+ series Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters happen when Godzilla shows up, even when it’s just a reminder that he exists somewhere in that world, the same one depicted in the MonsterVerse movies produced by Legendary.
Some of the best moments of the new Apple TV+ series Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters happen when Godzilla shows up, even when it’s just a reminder that he exists somewhere in that world, the same one depicted in the MonsterVerse movies produced by Legendary.
- 11/29/2023
- by Sam Barsanti
- avclub.com
"Scott Pilgrim Takes Off" is not a remake of the 2010 Edgar Wright movie, or just another adaptation of the Bryan Lee O'Malley comic. Instead, this anime takes the same approach as the "Rebuild of Evangelion" movies, taking everything beloved and great about the source material and remixing it into an original tale that comments on, interrogates, and ultimately improves on the original. This is not the story you knew, and it is better for it.
Like the first of the "Evangelion" movies, "You Are (Not) Alone," the show starts out with an almost shot-for-shot recreation of the first volume of the comic, up until Scott's first fight with one of Ramona's evil exes. Except here, Scott loses the fight and all hell breaks loose. From there, "Scott Pilgrim Takes Off" tells an original story that diverges from the original timeline of the story — and there is a very good reason for it.
Like the first of the "Evangelion" movies, "You Are (Not) Alone," the show starts out with an almost shot-for-shot recreation of the first volume of the comic, up until Scott's first fight with one of Ramona's evil exes. Except here, Scott loses the fight and all hell breaks loose. From there, "Scott Pilgrim Takes Off" tells an original story that diverges from the original timeline of the story — and there is a very good reason for it.
- 11/17/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Takashi Yamazaki's latest feature, “Godzilla Minus One,” is a terrific new entry to the title monster's extensive franchise. Prior, the director had depicted the character in various media, most notably a cameo in the opening of “Always: Sunset on Third Street 2.” For “Minus One,” Yamazaki sets the story in postwar Japan and draws influence from the original “Godzilla” directed by Ishiro Honda, Shusuke Kaneko's “Gmk: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack,” and Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi's “Shin Godzilla.” After closing out the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival, the film opened strong for its theatrical release, becoming a financial and critical success.
Word War II closes, and traumatized kamikaze pilot Koichi Shikishima returns to a devastated Japan under American occupation and is further met with tragedy. Koichi is plagued with survivor's guilt while suffering Ptsd from a horrific encounter he experienced on Odo Island. Yet he finds comfort in...
Word War II closes, and traumatized kamikaze pilot Koichi Shikishima returns to a devastated Japan under American occupation and is further met with tragedy. Koichi is plagued with survivor's guilt while suffering Ptsd from a horrific encounter he experienced on Odo Island. Yet he finds comfort in...
- 11/15/2023
- by Sean Barry
- AsianMoviePulse
To celebrate the release of Hideaki Anno’s Evangelion 3.10+1.11 Thrice Upon a Time on DVD, Blu-ray, Steelbook Blu-ray, and AllTheAnime.com exclusive 4K Uhd & Blu-ray Deluxe edition on 20th November, we’re giving away a Blu-Ray Steelbook!
The fourth and final film in Hideaki Anno’s Rebuild Of Evangelion film series that re-imagines his groundbreaking television series, Evangelion:3.0+1.11 Thrice Upon A Time combines the visually striking action and emotionally intelligent characters that made the series such a landmark moment in anime history and a pop-culture juggernaut, to bring the saga to a breathtakingly epic yet intimate conclusion.
The 4th and final installment of Rebuild of Evangelion. Misato and her anti-Nerv group Wille arrive at Paris, a city now red from core-ization. Crew from the flagship Wunder land on a containment tower. They only have 720 seconds to restore the city. When a horde of Nerv Evas appear, Mari’s improved Eva Unit 8 must intercept.
The fourth and final film in Hideaki Anno’s Rebuild Of Evangelion film series that re-imagines his groundbreaking television series, Evangelion:3.0+1.11 Thrice Upon A Time combines the visually striking action and emotionally intelligent characters that made the series such a landmark moment in anime history and a pop-culture juggernaut, to bring the saga to a breathtakingly epic yet intimate conclusion.
The 4th and final installment of Rebuild of Evangelion. Misato and her anti-Nerv group Wille arrive at Paris, a city now red from core-ization. Crew from the flagship Wunder land on a containment tower. They only have 720 seconds to restore the city. When a horde of Nerv Evas appear, Mari’s improved Eva Unit 8 must intercept.
- 11/12/2023
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Takashi Yamazaki's "Godzilla Minus One" comes out just prior to the 70th anniversary of Ishiro Honda's 1954 original "Gojira," and audiences have been on quite a journey throughout those decades.
By the lore of Honda's film, Godzilla was a massive amphibious animal created by nuclear bomb test radiation. He was more than a dinosaur that could be defeated by weapons. He was a physical manifestation of post-war nuclear devastation, a monstrous legacy of what weapons of mass destruction have wrought. Mass destruction only leads to more mass destruction. The 1954 film's scientists ultimately have to invent an even more devastating weapon, the Oxygen Destroyer, to defeat the beast. It is a somber, sad movie about how Japan -- about how humanity -- is unable to break a cycle of wartime annihilation. It wouldn't be until 1995's "Godzilla vs. Destoroyah," however, that a monster would rise from the remnants of the Oxygen Destroyer.
By the lore of Honda's film, Godzilla was a massive amphibious animal created by nuclear bomb test radiation. He was more than a dinosaur that could be defeated by weapons. He was a physical manifestation of post-war nuclear devastation, a monstrous legacy of what weapons of mass destruction have wrought. Mass destruction only leads to more mass destruction. The 1954 film's scientists ultimately have to invent an even more devastating weapon, the Oxygen Destroyer, to defeat the beast. It is a somber, sad movie about how Japan -- about how humanity -- is unable to break a cycle of wartime annihilation. It wouldn't be until 1995's "Godzilla vs. Destoroyah," however, that a monster would rise from the remnants of the Oxygen Destroyer.
- 11/11/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
After 10 intense years of heartbreak, shock, horror, and excitement, "Attack on Titan" has finally come to an end. The hugely popular anime ended with a feature-length finale that brought to a close the war against Eren Jaeger and his army of Titans, closing the book on the defining anime of the past decade.
The anime is based on the popular manga of the same name by Hajime Isayama, which ended in 2021. Speaking with The New York Times, Isayama explained that the seeds for this ending were sown from the start. "The story that starts with the victim who then goes through this story and becomes the aggressor," he said. "That is something I had in mind right from the get-go."
Ending a long-running show is no easy task. Everyone has their own idea of how the story will and should end, and meeting those expectations is daunting. In recent years,...
The anime is based on the popular manga of the same name by Hajime Isayama, which ended in 2021. Speaking with The New York Times, Isayama explained that the seeds for this ending were sown from the start. "The story that starts with the victim who then goes through this story and becomes the aggressor," he said. "That is something I had in mind right from the get-go."
Ending a long-running show is no easy task. Everyone has their own idea of how the story will and should end, and meeting those expectations is daunting. In recent years,...
- 11/6/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Yoko Higuchi turns in another impressive project with his latest short film, “Synthetic Love.” Besides directing, Higuchi wrote the screenplay along with Michael Evans, and while the shooting took place at Oguchi Dam, located in the Ishikawa Prefecture of Japan. Making her acting debut is Myuri, an established model and dancer, and she performs opposite Takumi Matsumoto, who some viewers may remember for appearing in Takashi Murakami's “Jellyfish Eyes.” “Synthetic Love” premiered at the One Art Space in New York in a double feature showing with one of Yoko's previous shorts, “Everydayman: A Fantasy Tokusatsu Parody.”
One rainy day, a female robot named Motoko awaits her boyfriend, Shinji, to arrive while standing atop a dam overlooking the river below. Upon arrival, he cheerfully gives her a present to celebrate their three-month anniversary. Yet, much to his dismay, the humanoid machinery announces she's breaking up with him, claiming their time together has expired.
One rainy day, a female robot named Motoko awaits her boyfriend, Shinji, to arrive while standing atop a dam overlooking the river below. Upon arrival, he cheerfully gives her a present to celebrate their three-month anniversary. Yet, much to his dismay, the humanoid machinery announces she's breaking up with him, claiming their time together has expired.
- 10/28/2023
- by Sean Barry
- AsianMoviePulse
The Japanese girl group Atarashii Gakko! has released their newest song, “Tokyo Calling,” a spectacular harmony with humorous lyrics about saving the citizens of Japan from being trapped in continuous monotony in their daily lives. It is a marvelous banger and is further enriched by its satirical commentary on Japanese society. Another appealing aspect of the song, in addition to the lyrics and the vocals of Mizyu, Suzuka, Rin, and Kanon, is the melody that blends modern J-pop and rap elements with traditional orchestral compositions in the same vein as composers like Akira Ifukube and Shiro Sagisu.
Uploaded on the YouTube channel of music company 88rising, Pennacky directs the official music video full of visual gags while also being a love letter to the art form of tokusatsu, prominently paying tribute to the “Ultraman” franchise and even with an added layer of film grain and camerawork reminiscent of filmmakers such...
Uploaded on the YouTube channel of music company 88rising, Pennacky directs the official music video full of visual gags while also being a love letter to the art form of tokusatsu, prominently paying tribute to the “Ultraman” franchise and even with an added layer of film grain and camerawork reminiscent of filmmakers such...
- 10/23/2023
- by Sean Barry
- AsianMoviePulse
The original anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion was ground breaking. It pushed boundaries in terms of animation and storytelling. It originally aired in 1995/6 with an additional two episode Complementary ending in 1997. In the 2000s the Rebuild Of Evangelion was envisioned. The writer-director Hideaki Anno wanted to remake the original 26 episodes in four films. The idea was to have the first three films retell most of the original story with the final film being a radical departure from the original narrative. The first of these films, Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, was released in 2007. The second, Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, from 2009, was a massive departure from the original plot. A third, Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, followed in 2012, and after a nine year wait the 2021 conclusion Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time.
In the original series there were giant bio-mechanical...
In the original series there were giant bio-mechanical...
- 10/21/2023
- by Donald Munro
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Hideaki Anno’s four-part reworking of his philosophical 90s anime classic Neon Genesis Evangelion reaches its conclusion with an emotional father-son confrontation
As far as grandiose projections of one man’s psyche go, Hideaki Anno’s Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise must be near the top. Not only did he spin this iconic 90s anime series about a messianic mech-fighter blowout from his own clinical depression, but he’s also recently managed to chew over the material a second time, reworking it as a series of four films: the so-called Rebuild of Evangelion. Production on this final one – which roughly retreads the same story material as the highly rated 1997 cinema release End of Evangelion – was apparently slowed by another bout of Anno’s mental illness.
Part of what was reportedly blocking Anno creatively was that he struggled to identify with the protagonist Shinji Ikari, who has a more hopeful perspective on mankind,...
As far as grandiose projections of one man’s psyche go, Hideaki Anno’s Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise must be near the top. Not only did he spin this iconic 90s anime series about a messianic mech-fighter blowout from his own clinical depression, but he’s also recently managed to chew over the material a second time, reworking it as a series of four films: the so-called Rebuild of Evangelion. Production on this final one – which roughly retreads the same story material as the highly rated 1997 cinema release End of Evangelion – was apparently slowed by another bout of Anno’s mental illness.
Part of what was reportedly blocking Anno creatively was that he struggled to identify with the protagonist Shinji Ikari, who has a more hopeful perspective on mankind,...
- 10/3/2023
- by Phil Hoad
- The Guardian - Film News
“Neon Genesis Evangelion” is one of the most celebrated and adored anime series of all time. When the series arrived, after years of only being available on what can charitably be described as the gray market, on Netflix in 2019, Vulture described the show as “equivalent in acclaim, auteurship, and cultural footprint to America’s ‘Twin Peaks’ or ‘2001: A Space Odyssey.’” And they are right. The show, the brainchild of mastermind Hideaki Anno, is a colossal, complicated achievement – a joyful celebration of giant robot media and a barbed deconstruction of the same media.
It is also a somewhat daunting proposition from the outside, with the entire “Neon Genesis Evangelion” franchise spread across the initial 26 episodes of the original show, plus several movies and an entire film franchise that essentially remade the series in a much weirder, more visually sophisticated way that is very much its own thing.
If you’ve...
It is also a somewhat daunting proposition from the outside, with the entire “Neon Genesis Evangelion” franchise spread across the initial 26 episodes of the original show, plus several movies and an entire film franchise that essentially remade the series in a much weirder, more visually sophisticated way that is very much its own thing.
If you’ve...
- 9/6/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
This is the year of Godzilla. We recently got the first images of the upcoming Apple TV+ MonsterVerse show that pits both Kurt and Wyatt Russell against the King of Monsters. There's also the upcoming "Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire" that is set to bring round two of the match of the century next year. Arguably, though, the headliner is the return of Toho's own Godzilla in "Godzilla Minus One," the first since "Shin Godzilla" seven years ago.
"Shin Godzilla" was a phenomenal reimagining of the iconic monster, with Hideaki Anno making an incredible movie that brought the King of Monsters to modern times, making it an allegory for the response to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster —all while giving us an incredible redesign for the character.
Now, Takashi Yamazaki, director, writer, and VFX supervisor is helming "Godzilla Minus One." Yamazaki is no small name either, having helmed a series of VFX-heavy blockbusters,...
"Shin Godzilla" was a phenomenal reimagining of the iconic monster, with Hideaki Anno making an incredible movie that brought the King of Monsters to modern times, making it an allegory for the response to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster —all while giving us an incredible redesign for the character.
Now, Takashi Yamazaki, director, writer, and VFX supervisor is helming "Godzilla Minus One." Yamazaki is no small name either, having helmed a series of VFX-heavy blockbusters,...
- 9/4/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Since it first terrorized Tokyo in Ishirō Honda’s 1954 film, Godzilla has faced off against nearly every single kaiju known to man—Mothra, Ghidorah, Megalon, Gigan, Biollante, etc.—like a champion boxer defending their belts. Its last bout was with King Kong in 2021, and its next will be a rematch against the same opponent in the 2024 Hollywood production Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. But before all that, director Takashi Yamazaki plans to take the monster back to its city-squashing roots with his highly anticipated Japanese production Godzilla Minus One.
Earlier this year, Yamazaki had this to say about what will be the thirty-seventh installment in the Godzilla franchise: “Postwar Japan has lost everything. The film depicts an existence that gives unprecedented despair. The title Godzilla Minus One was created with this in mind. In order to depict this, the staff and I have worked together to create a setting...
Earlier this year, Yamazaki had this to say about what will be the thirty-seventh installment in the Godzilla franchise: “Postwar Japan has lost everything. The film depicts an existence that gives unprecedented despair. The title Godzilla Minus One was created with this in mind. In order to depict this, the staff and I have worked together to create a setting...
- 9/4/2023
- by Oliver Weir
- The Film Stage
In many respects, the ‘80s are highlighted as a boom period for anime, something perhaps unwittingly foretold by Mobile Suit Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino in his famous “Anime New Century Declaration” — a promo event for the “Ms Gundam” compilation movie “Mobile Suit Gundam 1” that unexpectedly drew a crowd numbering in the thousands. The event was emblematic of that coming explosion — anime production reaching newfound scale, finding larger audiences in turn, and maturing as both a medium and an industry. It would be a decade that saw more confident spending, bigger original productions, and a much deeper roster as new creators.
In a retrospective piece about the moment, “Anime: A History” author Jonathan Clements wrote that while Tomino would become a figurehead, his “new world order” would belong to the next generation. It would be a dynamic new age defined by works like the famous Daicon III & IV Opening Animations, made...
In a retrospective piece about the moment, “Anime: A History” author Jonathan Clements wrote that while Tomino would become a figurehead, his “new world order” would belong to the next generation. It would be a dynamic new age defined by works like the famous Daicon III & IV Opening Animations, made...
- 8/17/2023
- by Kambole Campbell
- Indiewire
This post contains spoilers for "Oppenheimer."
"Oppenheimer" is now out in theaters. Directed by Christopher Nolan with his go-to man Cillian Murphy in the leading role, the film chronicles J. Robert Oppenheimer's involvement in the Manhattan Project from its build-up to its aftermath.
The film doesn't show the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but it does condemn them. All onscreen U.S. military and political higher-ups are gung-ho that the bombings be carried out and downright flippant about the loss of life in Japan. When Oppenheimer despairs that he has blood on his hands, President Harry Truman (Gary Oldman) eyes him with disdain and calls him a "crybaby."
Whether the bombings were justified or not is a debate that will rage far into the future. What's undeniable is that the loss of life left a scar on Japan. They hold the unique distinction of being the only country to...
"Oppenheimer" is now out in theaters. Directed by Christopher Nolan with his go-to man Cillian Murphy in the leading role, the film chronicles J. Robert Oppenheimer's involvement in the Manhattan Project from its build-up to its aftermath.
The film doesn't show the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but it does condemn them. All onscreen U.S. military and political higher-ups are gung-ho that the bombings be carried out and downright flippant about the loss of life in Japan. When Oppenheimer despairs that he has blood on his hands, President Harry Truman (Gary Oldman) eyes him with disdain and calls him a "crybaby."
Whether the bombings were justified or not is a debate that will rage far into the future. What's undeniable is that the loss of life left a scar on Japan. They hold the unique distinction of being the only country to...
- 7/28/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Stars: Sôsuke Ikematsu, Shin’ya Tsukamoto, Minami Hamabe, Mirai Moriyama, Tasuku Emoto, Nanase Nishino | Written and Directed by Hideaki Anno
The third entry in the Shin Japan Heroes Universe, Shin Kamen Rider, steps away from the kaiju-oriented plots of Shin Godzilla and Shin Ultraman to let writer/director Hideaki Anno, the driving force behind the Shin project, reboot a character that dates back to 1971 and who has, over the years appeared in various incarnations spanning live action, anime, and manga forms.
Takeshi Hongo was a socially inept college student who only cared about his motorcycle until he was kidnapped by S.H.O.C.K.E.R., Sustainable Happiness Organization with Computational Knowledge Embedded Remodeling, and experimented on by Professor Midorikawa, played appropriately enough by Shin’ya Tsukamoto, the director of Tetsuo: The Iron Man and its sequels.
He fused Hongo’s DNA with that of a grasshopper giving him incredible strength,...
The third entry in the Shin Japan Heroes Universe, Shin Kamen Rider, steps away from the kaiju-oriented plots of Shin Godzilla and Shin Ultraman to let writer/director Hideaki Anno, the driving force behind the Shin project, reboot a character that dates back to 1971 and who has, over the years appeared in various incarnations spanning live action, anime, and manga forms.
Takeshi Hongo was a socially inept college student who only cared about his motorcycle until he was kidnapped by S.H.O.C.K.E.R., Sustainable Happiness Organization with Computational Knowledge Embedded Remodeling, and experimented on by Professor Midorikawa, played appropriately enough by Shin’ya Tsukamoto, the director of Tetsuo: The Iron Man and its sequels.
He fused Hongo’s DNA with that of a grasshopper giving him incredible strength,...
- 7/24/2023
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
What’s most important to you in a superhero film – flawless special effects or having a good time? Hideaki Anno’s spirited take on the hit 1970s Japanese TV series (and later manga) Kamen Rider may look rough in places but the director knows exactly what he’s doing, and provided that you’re willing to roll with it, you’re bound to enjoy the ride.
The film belongs to the same universe as Shin Ultraman, which preceded it as a Fantasia selection, plus Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time and fan favourite Shin Godzilla. Anno has been creatively involved in all four, co-directing the latter with Shinji Higuchi. There are no plans for a fifth instalment, though it seems likely that all these characters will return to the big screen sooner or later. Compared to its stablemates, Shin Kamen Rider has a distinctly low budget look about it, but it has benefited.
The film belongs to the same universe as Shin Ultraman, which preceded it as a Fantasia selection, plus Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time and fan favourite Shin Godzilla. Anno has been creatively involved in all four, co-directing the latter with Shinji Higuchi. There are no plans for a fifth instalment, though it seems likely that all these characters will return to the big screen sooner or later. Compared to its stablemates, Shin Kamen Rider has a distinctly low budget look about it, but it has benefited.
- 7/21/2023
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
By Corey Kirby
Tokusatsu and Kaiju, what better a combination? Shin Ultraman, part of the Shin Japan Heroes Universe Project, is the third film in a series that takes classic Japanese media and brings it to the modern big screen. Hideaki Anno co-directed this film alongside Shinji Higuchi, as well as serving as the script writer, co-producer, and co-editor. As a result, just as with the pair’s previous project together (Shin Godzilla), this has Anno’s aesthetic and sensibilities all over it; this being evident in terms of cinematography, philosophical themes, and the score. Speaking of the score, Shiro Sagisu did an excellent job with the material used for the film. The musical score includes original material composed by Shiro Sagisu as well as reused material from previous Ultraman series such as the 1965 series Ultraman Q, along with several unused tracks from previous projects that were composed by Shiro...
Tokusatsu and Kaiju, what better a combination? Shin Ultraman, part of the Shin Japan Heroes Universe Project, is the third film in a series that takes classic Japanese media and brings it to the modern big screen. Hideaki Anno co-directed this film alongside Shinji Higuchi, as well as serving as the script writer, co-producer, and co-editor. As a result, just as with the pair’s previous project together (Shin Godzilla), this has Anno’s aesthetic and sensibilities all over it; this being evident in terms of cinematography, philosophical themes, and the score. Speaking of the score, Shiro Sagisu did an excellent job with the material used for the film. The musical score includes original material composed by Shiro Sagisu as well as reused material from previous Ultraman series such as the 1965 series Ultraman Q, along with several unused tracks from previous projects that were composed by Shiro...
- 7/10/2023
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Los Angeles, CA—At their Anime Expo 2023 panel, manga subscription service Azuki celebrated the launch of their latest exclusive manga series, Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms by Yoshino Koyoka and TriF, and announced new manga licenses, upcoming volume releases, and a beta feature allowing fans to download eBooks directly from the Azuki website.
Azuki is adding 10 series from Media Do International, Inc., MediBang!, and Star Fruit Books to their Azuki Premium membership. Series include Itazurana Kiss, Wonder House of Horrors, and four series from legendary josei manga artist Moyocco Anno. Most are available to read right now. The full list is below:
Itazurana Kiss
by Kaoru Tada
Distributed by MD-i
A high school girl named Kotoko Aihara's love letter has been rejected by her crush, a genius with an Iq of 200 and a sports champion who's popular with all the girls — Naoki Irie.
As if Kotoko's luck wasn't bad enough, shortly...
Azuki is adding 10 series from Media Do International, Inc., MediBang!, and Star Fruit Books to their Azuki Premium membership. Series include Itazurana Kiss, Wonder House of Horrors, and four series from legendary josei manga artist Moyocco Anno. Most are available to read right now. The full list is below:
Itazurana Kiss
by Kaoru Tada
Distributed by MD-i
A high school girl named Kotoko Aihara's love letter has been rejected by her crush, a genius with an Iq of 200 and a sports champion who's popular with all the girls — Naoki Irie.
As if Kotoko's luck wasn't bad enough, shortly...
- 7/3/2023
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
In the wake of a limited Fathom Events theatrical release here in the United States back in May, Shin Kamen Rider is being unleashed at home via Prime Video this summer.
Officially announced this week, Shin Kamen Rider comes exclusively to Prime Video in 200 countries and regions beginning on July 21, 2023!
We assume the United States is part of this global release, but the movie’s official website doesn’t yet provide a list of countries. Stay tuned for more on the Prime Video premiere.
From director Hideaki Anno (Shin Godzilla, Shin Ultraman), Shin Kamen Rider is a live action reboot. Paul Le wrote in his review for Bloody Disgusting, “Shin Kamen Rider is a dream come true for Hideaki Anno, a lifelong fan of the heroic, bug-eyed cyborg. He honors as well as plays around with the mythology so that everyone can partake in his lifelong wish. It’s a...
Officially announced this week, Shin Kamen Rider comes exclusively to Prime Video in 200 countries and regions beginning on July 21, 2023!
We assume the United States is part of this global release, but the movie’s official website doesn’t yet provide a list of countries. Stay tuned for more on the Prime Video premiere.
From director Hideaki Anno (Shin Godzilla, Shin Ultraman), Shin Kamen Rider is a live action reboot. Paul Le wrote in his review for Bloody Disgusting, “Shin Kamen Rider is a dream come true for Hideaki Anno, a lifelong fan of the heroic, bug-eyed cyborg. He honors as well as plays around with the mythology so that everyone can partake in his lifelong wish. It’s a...
- 6/22/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
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