The anime spring season is under way, with studios releasing and announcing a string of anticipated films for both the large and small screen.
From new instalments in epic trilogies to musicals and even a tender family drama, the viewing experiences on offer form a perfect entryway into the Japanese art form.
Here are nine new films to check out:
1. ‘Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time’
Release date: Already in cinemas
Remember when this series was a cult hit at the turn of the century? Many won't, but that tight-knit fan base was soon expanded to include an army of new admirers once Netflix picked up the show in 2019.
In March, the sci-fi drama returned to the big screen in Japan with the fourth instalment of its Rebuild of Evangelion film series, featuring the brooding intergalactic warriors Shinji Ikari and Asuka in another dystopian adventure.
2. ‘Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet’
Release date: Friday, April 16
The evocative mystery series is the 24th instalment of the Case Closed series of films, originally based on the manga books by Gosho Aoyama.
While the plot remains under wraps, what we do know is that it takes place within a large sporting event in Tokyo and there are some shady dealings relating to Japan's high-speed bullet train. What could go wrong?
3. ‘Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash’
Release date: Friday, May 7
Based on novellas by Yoshiyuki Tomino from 1989 to 1990, the futuristic film is part of a planned trilogy and follows Hathaway Noa and her band of outlaws as they fight back against the corrupt rulers of the Earth Federation, a human-led government that imposed unjust living conditions and alien convict colonies.
4. 'Knights of Sidonia: Ai Tsumugu Hoshi'
Release date: Friday, May 14
First, there were books, then a hit TV series and now it's the movie. Set in a faraway galaxy, the popular Knights of Sidonia series centres on the down-on-his-luck "under-dweller" Nagate Tanikaze and charts his quest to become the pilot of Sidonia, a starship created from rare materials from an Earth destroyed thousands of years ago.
5. ‘Revue Starlight’
Release date: Friday, May 21
This is Glee, anime style. This is the first film from the 14-year-old Revue Starlight franchise that began as an actual stage musical in Tokyo before transforming into a manga book series, TV show and a smartphone game.
Based in the elite Seisho Music Academy, the film has students battling each other in auditions to become the institution's top star.
6. 'Pompo: The Cinephile’
Release date: Friday, June 4
It's a film about a film. Set in the entertainment hub of Nyallawood, we follow the tireless antics of director Gene Fini. Sick of making B-grade films, she finally finds that great script to elevate her in the film industry. Will she be able to pull it off?
7. ‘Gyoko no Nikuko-chan’
Release date: Friday, June 11
Based on the 2014 bestselling novel by Kanako Nishi, this drama explores the relationship between mother Nikuko and daughter Kikuko, who live on a boat. The film tracks a bond that is as fierce as it is tight.
8. 'BanG Dream! Episode of Roselia: Song I Am'
Release date: Friday, June 25
The second of a three-part film series, the musical drama is all about the beat, literally. Aspiring musician Kasumi Toyama is searching for a sound that provides the same inspirations she gains from stargazing. After finding the perfect guitar in a pawnshop, she starts a band and we follow her journey to the top of the charts. Tracks from the first film went on to become hits in Japan.
9. 'The Seven Deadly Sins: Cursed by Light’
Release date: Friday, July 2
This is the sequel to the Netflix series The Seven Deadly Sins. The title is the name of a band of knights who fight it out against demons, sorcerers and evil kings.
While the film plot is yet to be revealed, what is promised is another swashbuckling adventure that this series has become known for over the past eight years.
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