Plenty of anime movies will be shown in Philippine cinemas this November, and one of them is going to be Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron!”
This animated fantasy film, which was originally said to be Miyazaki’s final movie, is scheduled to open on November 29 in local cinemas nationwide. “The Boy and the Heron” follows a boy named Mahito (voiced by Soma Santoki) who enters a magical world with a talking grey heron after finding an abandoned tower in his new town. Yearning for his mother, Mahito ventures into a world shared by the living and the dead where death comes to an end and life finds a new beginning.
The title is based on a 1937 book written by a children’s book author and editor, although the movie will not be a direct adaptation of the novel.
It was released in Japan last July 14, 2023 without any marketing or promotion beforehand, not even any trailer, image, or synopsis, apart from the official poster. It went on to receive critical acclaim and became the biggest opening in Studio Ghibli’s history, surpassing “Howl’s Moving Castle.”
“The Boy and the Heron” is Miyazaki’s first feature film in 10 years, having gone out of retirement back in 2017. Prior to this, Miyazaki worked on “Kaze Tachinu” (“The Wind Rises”) which premiered in 2013. His most famous works are “Spirited Away,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “Princess Mononoke,” and “My Neighbor Totoro,” just to name a few.
Other anime films coming to PH cinemas
Anime lovers should also celebrate the fact that there are other animated and live-action Japanese films coming to local cinemas this November!
“The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes” will be screened exclusively in SM Cinemas on November 1. The movie follows two young people who travel to the mysterious Urashima Tunnel which can grant one’s fondest wish but with a price. High school student Kaoru is plagued by a troubled past and fatefully teams up with Anzu, a girl who struggles to place obligations before her dreams. Destined to meet to unravel the mystery of the tunnel, Kaoru and Anzu learn along the way about young love and bending time itself. It is directed by Tomohisa Taguchi and the main characters in the movie are voiced by Ouji Suzuka and Marie Iitoyo.
“City Hunter The Movie: Angel Dust” is the latest anime theatrical film produced by Aniplex and animated by Sunrise, City Hunter’s 35th anniversary. With the franchise’s main protagonist Ryo Saeba, the movie involves an all-new drug named Angel Dust and is controlled by an underground organization that’s also covertly creating secret soldiers. Also an SM Cinema exclusive on November 8, “City Hunter The Movie: Angel Dust” is directed by Kenji Kodama and featuring the voices of Akira Kamiya (Ryo) and Kazue Ikura as Kaori.
Lastly, “Tokyo MER: Mobile Emergency Room” is a live action-packed film on the hazards that medical workers face to save 193 lives from the fire trapped at the 70th floor of a Yokohama skyscraper. Based on the TV series of the same title, the movie adaptation deploys a team of emergency professionals on wheels formed by the Tokyo governor with one mission only: to prevent a single death. Tasked with rushing to the scene of major accidents, disasters, and crimes, MER is armed with state-of-the-art medical equipment, a mobile operating room, and an elite staff ready to risk all to save lives. Check out “Tokyo MER: Mobile Emergency Room” when it opens exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas on November 22.
An Encore Films presentation under Warner Bros. distribution, check your favorite cinemas for the advance online ticket selling of these thrilling anime and live action Japanese films. Follow Encore Films PH for more updates on the thrilling lineup of November films.
(ALSO READ: Studio Ghibli Will Not Promote Hayao Miyazaki’s Final Film—Here’s Why)
Are you excited to watch all of these? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
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