Preview Time!

The other day at the mall, I picked up a slew of mini-posters and I'll get to them post-haste. But first, I'll introduce you to a movie that'll be coming out here soon. On August 2nd, we'll be treated to スカイ クロラ (Sukai Kurora) or The Sky Crawlers.


Here is a brief synopsis:
The youngsters are called Kildren, who are destined to live eternally in their adolescence. The Kildren are conscious that every day could be their last, because they fight war as entertainment, organized and operated by adults. But as they embrace the reality they are faced with, they live their day-to-day lives to the full.


I suggest you click on the picture below to go to the Sky Crawlers site. It has about a 5 minute preview that is pretty slow-going but pretty nonetheless. Directed by Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell), it stars Rinko Kikuchi of Babel fame and Chiaki Kuriyama, our favourite Go-Go girl from Kill Bill. The theme song is also quite haunting and beautiful.

This trailer has some English Subtitles for the less Japanese literate (like me):



While we're in an animated mood, let's check in on Gake no Ue no Ponyo. From what I've read and seen so far, it is a beautifully rendered hand-drawn movie (in your face CGI!) by the Miyazaki crew.









As he yet again threatens to retire, if he does so this time, he'll be bowing out on top. The story of "An animated adventure centered on a 5-year-old boy and his relationship with a goldfish princess who longs to become human" won't have the spookiness of his previous efforts, but promises more to be like Totoro II.







Not exactly anime, but a sequel to the live action version of GeGeGe looms on the horizon.










ゲゲゲの鬼太郎 千年呪い歌 (Gegege no Kitaro: Sennen Noroi Uta, which sort of translates as Thousand Year-old Cursed Song)










You know I'll be in line to see it (not necessarily to comprehend it, but I will see it.)





I won't be running out to see the live action version of DMC but it might make for a good view on the tube in a few years.

Apart from the new Pokemon, Naruto, Kamen Rider and Go-onger movies that I likely will NOT be seeing, that's it for the Japanese flicks on the horizon. I'll mention something about the Hollywood blockbusters later...