When a Ping Pong anime series was first announced in early 2014, I had to ask: Why? Taiyo Matsumoto’s manga had already been adapted to film back in 2002. Directed by first-timer Fumihiko Sori with a script by rising star Kankuro Kudo, the film launched the career of actor Shido Nakamura. It even came with songs by Supercar and Boom Boom Satellites. I couldn’t imagine anything better than that. When I learned Masaaki Yuasa was directing the series, I became even more curious – and confused. Yuasa was one of my all-time favorite anime directors (and still is.) His 2007 science fiction series Kaiba changed my vision of what TV anime could be. He would have been a great fit to adapt Yuasa’s epic No. 5 . Instead he was hired to go back over old ground. I didn’t understand why at the time. Now I recognize that of all Matsumoto’s comics,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Adam Wescott
- Crunchyroll
Reliably one of the most euphoric and rewarding events on the circuit, the New York Asian Film Festival emerged at a time when hardcore cinephiles were forced to import prohibitively expensive foreign-region DVDs if they wanted to watch the latest hits from the other side of the world, and the first editions of the fest — then hosted at the Anthology Film Archives — got a major boost by screening hard-to-find cult objects and/or future classics at a time when Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean cinema were all on the rise to one degree or another.
No disrespect to the prestigious New York Film Festival, but Nyaff beat them to the punch when it comes to major auteurs like Park Chan-wook, whose “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance” screened at the 2002 event alongside millennial breakouts like Corey Yuen’s “So Close,” unheralded pop masterpieces like Fumihiko Sori’s “Ping Pong,” and what the fuck did I just witness?...
No disrespect to the prestigious New York Film Festival, but Nyaff beat them to the punch when it comes to major auteurs like Park Chan-wook, whose “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance” screened at the 2002 event alongside millennial breakouts like Corey Yuen’s “So Close,” unheralded pop masterpieces like Fumihiko Sori’s “Ping Pong,” and what the fuck did I just witness?...
- 7/13/2023
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Daniel Kurland Feb 14, 2019
We run through some of the best live-action film adaptations of anime… Yes, they’re out there. We promise.
It’s always an interesting and mixed experience for fans when source material like comics or animated shows transition to the silver screen in live-action form. A lot of the time these fresh takes can be complete triumphs, but one medium that continues to experience a tough time through this adaptation process is anime.
Live-action anime adaptations often feel like extremely risky endeavors, especially in America. There are extremely few situations where Hollywood takes on anime find mass success. Many American live-action adaptations of anime seem doomed before they even go into production. That’s why it’s somewhat noteworthy that early reviews on the Robert Rodriguez and James Cameron team-up, Alita: Battle Angel, are at least mixed. Even if our own review took a decidedly negative view,...
We run through some of the best live-action film adaptations of anime… Yes, they’re out there. We promise.
It’s always an interesting and mixed experience for fans when source material like comics or animated shows transition to the silver screen in live-action form. A lot of the time these fresh takes can be complete triumphs, but one medium that continues to experience a tough time through this adaptation process is anime.
Live-action anime adaptations often feel like extremely risky endeavors, especially in America. There are extremely few situations where Hollywood takes on anime find mass success. Many American live-action adaptations of anime seem doomed before they even go into production. That’s why it’s somewhat noteworthy that early reviews on the Robert Rodriguez and James Cameron team-up, Alita: Battle Angel, are at least mixed. Even if our own review took a decidedly negative view,...
- 2/14/2019
- Den of Geek
Let me start by saying that “Fullmetal Alchemist” (and particularly the second edition) is one of my favorite anime series of all time. In that aspect, and considering the growing quality (and budget) of the recent anime adaptations, I was really eager to watch the live adaptation, although the fear of another “Attack on Titan” still lingered in the back on my mind. Let us see, though, how this one fared.
The story takes place in an alternate setting that seems like a medieval Germany in some aspects (the way the characters are presented and the way the army is structured) where technology and magic (alchemy if you prefer) coexist. The protagonists are two brothers, Edward and Alphonse, sons of a State Alchemist who is never home. The two boys also deal with alchemy, but when their mother dies, they indulge in the darker aspects of it,...
The story takes place in an alternate setting that seems like a medieval Germany in some aspects (the way the characters are presented and the way the army is structured) where technology and magic (alchemy if you prefer) coexist. The protagonists are two brothers, Edward and Alphonse, sons of a State Alchemist who is never home. The two boys also deal with alchemy, but when their mother dies, they indulge in the darker aspects of it,...
- 5/16/2018
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
If you’re an anime fan, you’re used to being disappointed by live-action adaptations of your favorite stories. Netflix’s new take on “Fullmetal Alchemist” appears to be no different, alas, as reviews of Fumihiko Sori’s adaptation have been mixed at best. If you’re prepared to be let down yet again, read on:
Richard Kuipers of Variety is mixed:
“The film’s greatest weakness is failing to adequately transmit the huge guilt Ed feels for having brought about his younger brother’s fate. This fundamental emotional element doesn’t receive proper attention until the story’s in full stride and then fails to resonate under the weight of uninspired dialogue and unconvincing delivery by Yamada.”
Ditto Kaori Shoji, who reviewed the live-action adaptation for IGN:
“The narrative often suffers from a lack of coherence and sequential breakdown. Perhaps in an effort to contain the sprawl, Sori...
Richard Kuipers of Variety is mixed:
“The film’s greatest weakness is failing to adequately transmit the huge guilt Ed feels for having brought about his younger brother’s fate. This fundamental emotional element doesn’t receive proper attention until the story’s in full stride and then fails to resonate under the weight of uninspired dialogue and unconvincing delivery by Yamada.”
Ditto Kaori Shoji, who reviewed the live-action adaptation for IGN:
“The narrative often suffers from a lack of coherence and sequential breakdown. Perhaps in an effort to contain the sprawl, Sori...
- 3/2/2018
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Author: Steven Neish
When aspiring alchemists Edward (Ryôsuke Yamada) and Alphonse Elric (Atom Mizuishi) are robbed of their mother at an early age they decide to turn their prodigious talents to the taboo practice of human transmutation in the vein hope of bringing her back. Working against the laws of nature, however, they each pay a heavy price for their transgression when Ed loses an arm and Al loses everything to the powers that be. Sacrificing another limb to bind his brother’s disembodied soul to a nearby suit of armour, Ed vows to track down the only item he believes capable of restoring his brother to his former body: the Philosopher’s Stone.
A live-action adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa’s beloved manga, previously retold as a pair of revered animes currently streaming alongside it on Netflix, Fumihiko Sori’s Fullmetal Alchemist was always going to struggle to extrapolate the...
When aspiring alchemists Edward (Ryôsuke Yamada) and Alphonse Elric (Atom Mizuishi) are robbed of their mother at an early age they decide to turn their prodigious talents to the taboo practice of human transmutation in the vein hope of bringing her back. Working against the laws of nature, however, they each pay a heavy price for their transgression when Ed loses an arm and Al loses everything to the powers that be. Sacrificing another limb to bind his brother’s disembodied soul to a nearby suit of armour, Ed vows to track down the only item he believes capable of restoring his brother to his former body: the Philosopher’s Stone.
A live-action adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa’s beloved manga, previously retold as a pair of revered animes currently streaming alongside it on Netflix, Fumihiko Sori’s Fullmetal Alchemist was always going to struggle to extrapolate the...
- 2/20/2018
- by Steven Neish
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Warner Bros. has released a new official main trailer for the live-action adaptation of the hit anime Fullmetal Alchemist. The trailer features a good amount of cool new footage and has an English translation so you actually know what's being said.
The movie actually looks like a lot of fun. After a good amount of footage was screened at Anime Expo 2017, a lot of fans of the anime were saying they loved what they saw and the that film is actually going to be really good! Here are some of those reactions:
I saw footage for the Fullmetal Alchemist live action movie, and it looks amazing!
— Kenny Lam (@KennyLam89) July 3, 2017
Panel showed few clips from #FullMetalAlchemist film, and I am very impressed. 3d Alphonse looks great and everyone looks the part #AX2017
— Plastic Ronins (@Plasticronins) July 3, 2017
Im Cryingggggg They Basically Almost Played The Key Parts In The Fma Live Action...
The movie actually looks like a lot of fun. After a good amount of footage was screened at Anime Expo 2017, a lot of fans of the anime were saying they loved what they saw and the that film is actually going to be really good! Here are some of those reactions:
I saw footage for the Fullmetal Alchemist live action movie, and it looks amazing!
— Kenny Lam (@KennyLam89) July 3, 2017
Panel showed few clips from #FullMetalAlchemist film, and I am very impressed. 3d Alphonse looks great and everyone looks the part #AX2017
— Plastic Ronins (@Plasticronins) July 3, 2017
Im Cryingggggg They Basically Almost Played The Key Parts In The Fma Live Action...
- 10/26/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
In a mildly steampunk world that resembles a militarized early 20th century Tuscany (the film was shot in Volterra), two young brothers dabble disastrously in alchemy in the action-fantasy Fullmetal Alchemist. Directed by Fumihiko Sori, the film is the first live-action version of Hiromu Akakawa’s popular manga series, which was published in Japan from 2001 to 2010 and was made into a 51-episode anime TV series for Mbs in 2003/04. Massively augmented with advanced CG work that is a joy to behold, the film looks poised to sweep Asian markets beginning in December when Warner Bros. Japan releases...
- 10/25/2017
- by Deborah Young
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Arakawa Hiromu’s Fullmetal Alchemist, has already spawned two animated series and spin-off animated films and now comes the obilgatory live-action adaptation, directed by Fumihiko Sori and starring Ryosuke Yamada, Tsubasa Honda and Dean Fujioka. The film is scheduled for release in Japan by Warner Bros. on December 1st.
Edward Elric, a young, brilliant alchemist, has lost much in his twelve-year life: when he and his brother Alphonse try to resurrect their dead mother through the forbidden act of human transmutation, Edward loses his brother as well as two of his limbs. With his supreme alchemy skills, Edward binds Alphonse’s soul to a large suit of armor.
A year later, Edward, now promoted to the fullmetal alchemist of the state, embarks on a journey with his younger brother to obtain the Philosopher’s Stone. The fabled mythical object is rumored to be capable of amplifying an alchemist’s abilities by leaps and bounds,...
Edward Elric, a young, brilliant alchemist, has lost much in his twelve-year life: when he and his brother Alphonse try to resurrect their dead mother through the forbidden act of human transmutation, Edward loses his brother as well as two of his limbs. With his supreme alchemy skills, Edward binds Alphonse’s soul to a large suit of armor.
A year later, Edward, now promoted to the fullmetal alchemist of the state, embarks on a journey with his younger brother to obtain the Philosopher’s Stone. The fabled mythical object is rumored to be capable of amplifying an alchemist’s abilities by leaps and bounds,...
- 4/7/2017
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
If you've been wanting to see more footage from Warner Bros. live-action adaptation of the hit anime Full Metal Alchemist, today's your lucky day! We've got a new trailer to share with you and it looks like it will be a solid film that will offer fans some fun entertainment.
The plot takes place at the beginning of the 20th century, in a reality where alchemy (ancient esoteric science that sought the transmutation of matter) is real,extremely developed and respected. The plot features brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric who, after attempting the forbidden technique of human transmutation, suffer the consequences. Alphonse loses his entire body while Edward loses his left leg. He then sacrifices his right arm to keep his brother's soul trapped within a metal suit of armor. Using mechanical prosthetics known as "automail",he‘s given the nickname "Fullmetal Alchemist", all while in search for the legendary...
The plot takes place at the beginning of the 20th century, in a reality where alchemy (ancient esoteric science that sought the transmutation of matter) is real,extremely developed and respected. The plot features brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric who, after attempting the forbidden technique of human transmutation, suffer the consequences. Alphonse loses his entire body while Edward loses his left leg. He then sacrifices his right arm to keep his brother's soul trapped within a metal suit of armor. Using mechanical prosthetics known as "automail",he‘s given the nickname "Fullmetal Alchemist", all while in search for the legendary...
- 4/7/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Exciting news for Fullmetal Alchemist fans! A new trailer was released for the upcoming live action version of this anime favorite.
Fullmetal Alchemist follows a pair of brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who try their hand at alchemy after their mother passes away, only to experience disastrous results. The recent trailer showcases the darker side to the franchise and focuses on the brother’s attempts to obtain the Philospher’s Stone.
The newly released trailer sheds some light on some of the aspects that have fans so curious. The reveal of who plays the main character, Edward Elric, was revealed to be the idol, Ryosuke Yamada from the band Hey! Say! Jump. In the trailer, Ryosuke is outfitted the same way Edward is drawn in the anime and manga—blonde hair with signature red coat. The film also portrays Edward’s brother, Alphonse, in his huge armor “suit.” Other signature characters,...
Fullmetal Alchemist follows a pair of brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who try their hand at alchemy after their mother passes away, only to experience disastrous results. The recent trailer showcases the darker side to the franchise and focuses on the brother’s attempts to obtain the Philospher’s Stone.
The newly released trailer sheds some light on some of the aspects that have fans so curious. The reveal of who plays the main character, Edward Elric, was revealed to be the idol, Ryosuke Yamada from the band Hey! Say! Jump. In the trailer, Ryosuke is outfitted the same way Edward is drawn in the anime and manga—blonde hair with signature red coat. The film also portrays Edward’s brother, Alphonse, in his huge armor “suit.” Other signature characters,...
- 1/3/2017
- by Lydia Spanier
- AsianMoviePulse
A couple new photos have surfaced from the upcoming live-action adaptation of the hit manga and anime series Full Metal Alchemist. They both feature Ryōsuke Yamada as the alchemist Edward Elric. In the first image, he’s with his little brother Al who is in the suit of armor. In the second image, he’s in the middle of a battle against a beast created from a transmutation circle. This second image looks like a shot that we saw in the teaser trailer for the film that was released last month.
In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. Equipped with mechanical “auto-mail” limbs, Edward becomes a state alchemist, seeking the one thing that can restore his and his brother's bodies...the legendary Philosopher's Stone.
The images come from an...
In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. Equipped with mechanical “auto-mail” limbs, Edward becomes a state alchemist, seeking the one thing that can restore his and his brother's bodies...the legendary Philosopher's Stone.
The images come from an...
- 1/2/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Another live-action adaptation of an anime & manga series is coming to the big screen. Aside from Ghost in the Shell, Japan is developing a live-action Fullmetal Alchemist movie from director Fumihiko Sori. In the Fullmetal Alchemist world, alchemy is one of the most-practiced sciences. The film is about two brothers who go on a quest for the Philosopher's Stone (no connection to Harry Potter). It stars Ryôsuke Yamada as Edward Elric, Tsubasa Honda as Winry Rockbell, Dean Fujioka as Roy Mustang, Ryuuta Satou as Maes Hughes, Misako Renbutsu as Riza Hawkeye, Natsuna as Maria Ross, Natsuki Harada as Gracia Hughes, You Ooizumi as Shou Tucker, Jun Kunimura and many others. This first teaser doesn't have much footage in it, but at least there's more to see here than the Blade of the Immortal trailer. Take a look. Here's the first teaser trailer for Fumihiko Sori's Fullmetal Alchemist movie, direct...
- 11/16/2016
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The beloved manga series “Fullmetal Alchemist” has had quite a life beyond the pages. Though the original series ran from 2001 through 2010, it has produced two anime series — “Fullmetal Alchemist,” the loose adaptation, and “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood,” a more faithful retelling — a series of light novels, an audio drama, five video games and soon, a live-action adaptation, featuring an all-Japanese cast.
Read More: ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’: Iconic Anime Getting A Big Screen Adaptation, With No Whitewashing
Now, Warner Bros. has released a first glimpse of the film in the form of a brief teaser trailer. Though there are no English subtitles, it features several shots of Ryosuke Yamada (“Assassination Classroom”) as Edward Elric and a promise from him to get “[their] bodies back.” The film co-stars Tsubasa Honda, Dean Fujioka, Misako Renbutsu, Kanata Hongō, Jun Kunimura, Kenjirō Ishimaru and more. Watch the teaser trailer below.
Read More: ‘Ghost In The Shell...
Read More: ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’: Iconic Anime Getting A Big Screen Adaptation, With No Whitewashing
Now, Warner Bros. has released a first glimpse of the film in the form of a brief teaser trailer. Though there are no English subtitles, it features several shots of Ryosuke Yamada (“Assassination Classroom”) as Edward Elric and a promise from him to get “[their] bodies back.” The film co-stars Tsubasa Honda, Dean Fujioka, Misako Renbutsu, Kanata Hongō, Jun Kunimura, Kenjirō Ishimaru and more. Watch the teaser trailer below.
Read More: ‘Ghost In The Shell...
- 11/16/2016
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
The first teaser trailer for the upcoming live-action feature film adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa’s manga and anime Full Metal Alchemist has been released. The trailer shows off a series of brief but great looking and exciting clips, and we get to see Ryōsuke Yamada in full costume as the alchemist Edward Elric, as well as his little brother Al, who is a CG animated character.
In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. Equipped with mechanical “auto-mail” limbs, Edward becomes a state alchemist, seeking the one thing that can restore his and his brother's bodies...the legendary Philosopher's Stone.
When talking about this film adaptation and its faithfulness to the original source material, director Fumihiko Sori (Ping Pong) said:
"I want to create a style that follows the original manga as much as possible.
In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. Equipped with mechanical “auto-mail” limbs, Edward becomes a state alchemist, seeking the one thing that can restore his and his brother's bodies...the legendary Philosopher's Stone.
When talking about this film adaptation and its faithfulness to the original source material, director Fumihiko Sori (Ping Pong) said:
"I want to create a style that follows the original manga as much as possible.
- 11/16/2016
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Animenewsnetwork.com has debuted the first official teaser trailer for Fumihiko Sori's live-action take on the classic manga, Fullmetal Alchemist. The footage features several shots of Ryōsuke Yamada in costume as Edward Elric, as he prepares to do battle with a transmuted beast. Then, right at the end we get a glimpse of Edward's little brother Al, who will be a fully CG creation. Check it out below and let us know what you think. We also have a translation of the trailer's subtitles. If you're not familiar with this property, you can find out more about it over at AnimeMojo.com. Text: The time has come. Text: Original work: Hiromu Arakawa Text: Director: Fumihiko Sori (Ping Pong) Text: Two brothers' great journey. Text: The legend... Text: Finally begins. Title Logo: Fullmetal Alchemist Edward: I promise I'll get our bodies back. Text: 2017, winter.
- 11/16/2016
- ComicBookMovie.com
Full Metal Alchemist’s next film adaptation will be live-action, with fans of the extremely popular anime already getting fired up.
The filming will begin this June in Italy, with the release in Japan being scheduled for 2017. The movie will use a combination of real actors and CGI. Fumihiko Sori (“Ping Pong”, “Ashita no Joe”) will direct and the cast revealed is as follows:
Ryosuke Yamada (Asssassination Classroom) as Edward Elric.
Tsubasa Honda (Blue Spring Ride) as Winry Rockbell.
Dean Fujioka (Dance! Dance! Dance!) as Roy Mustang.
Ryuta Sato (Tokyo Tribe) as Captain Maes Hughes.
Yo Oizumi (Kakekomi) as Major Shou Tucker.
Yasuko Matsuyuki (Smuggler) as Lust.
Kanata Hongo (Attack on Titan) as Envy.
Shinji Uchiyama (Gokusen: The Movie) as Gluttony.
The plot for the first half of the upcoming film will faithfully reproduce the story of the original Fullmetal Alchemist manga by Hiromu Arakawa. The film will digress in...
The filming will begin this June in Italy, with the release in Japan being scheduled for 2017. The movie will use a combination of real actors and CGI. Fumihiko Sori (“Ping Pong”, “Ashita no Joe”) will direct and the cast revealed is as follows:
Ryosuke Yamada (Asssassination Classroom) as Edward Elric.
Tsubasa Honda (Blue Spring Ride) as Winry Rockbell.
Dean Fujioka (Dance! Dance! Dance!) as Roy Mustang.
Ryuta Sato (Tokyo Tribe) as Captain Maes Hughes.
Yo Oizumi (Kakekomi) as Major Shou Tucker.
Yasuko Matsuyuki (Smuggler) as Lust.
Kanata Hongo (Attack on Titan) as Envy.
Shinji Uchiyama (Gokusen: The Movie) as Gluttony.
The plot for the first half of the upcoming film will faithfully reproduce the story of the original Fullmetal Alchemist manga by Hiromu Arakawa. The film will digress in...
- 4/4/2016
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
For those of you who are fans of Hiromu Arakawa's action-fantasy manga Fullmetal Alchemist, you might be surprised to learn that there’s a live action movie currently in development! According to Crunchy Roll, this movie will be released in 2017.
Fumihiko Sori (Ping Pong, Ashita no Joe) is directing the film, and it will star Hey! Say! Jump member Ryosuke Yamada (Assassination Classroom) as Edward Elric.
The project will start shooting in Italy in June and will be in production through August of 2016. According to the report, the film will heavily use CGI to "recreate the fantastic elements of the comic, such as Alphonse Elric's armor.”
This news was completely unexpected, but since it was such a popular manga and anime, it was bound to happen one day after the series ended in 2010. I’m surprised it took them so long to do it! I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Fumihiko Sori (Ping Pong, Ashita no Joe) is directing the film, and it will star Hey! Say! Jump member Ryosuke Yamada (Assassination Classroom) as Edward Elric.
The project will start shooting in Italy in June and will be in production through August of 2016. According to the report, the film will heavily use CGI to "recreate the fantastic elements of the comic, such as Alphonse Elric's armor.”
This news was completely unexpected, but since it was such a popular manga and anime, it was bound to happen one day after the series ended in 2010. I’m surprised it took them so long to do it! I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
- 3/30/2016
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Japanese entertainment publication Daily Cyzo (via Crunchy Roll) indicates that a live-action film adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa's action-fantasy manga "Fullmetal Alchemist" is currently in development.
Fumihiko Sori ("Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker," "Vexille") will direct the film, while "Hey! Say! Jump" member Ryosuke Yamada will star as Edward Elric. The production will make heavy use of CG to recreate the fantastic elements of the comic such as Alphonse Elric's armor.
Hiromu Arakawa created the original manga which is set in a world styled after the European Industrial Revolution, a world where alchemy is an advanced scientific technique. The action follows two brothers searching for a philosopher's stone to restore their bodies after a failed attempt to bring their mother back to life using alchemy.
The Fullmetal Alchemist manga has sold approximately 64 million volumes worldwide. It has been adapted into two anime television series, two animated films. Filming on...
Fumihiko Sori ("Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker," "Vexille") will direct the film, while "Hey! Say! Jump" member Ryosuke Yamada will star as Edward Elric. The production will make heavy use of CG to recreate the fantastic elements of the comic such as Alphonse Elric's armor.
Hiromu Arakawa created the original manga which is set in a world styled after the European Industrial Revolution, a world where alchemy is an advanced scientific technique. The action follows two brothers searching for a philosopher's stone to restore their bodies after a failed attempt to bring their mother back to life using alchemy.
The Fullmetal Alchemist manga has sold approximately 64 million volumes worldwide. It has been adapted into two anime television series, two animated films. Filming on...
- 3/29/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
When it comes to talking about fan's attachment to BioWare's extended universes, it's tough to talk about Dragon Age without at least thinking about the RPG developer's other major IP, Mass Effect. It's clear that the latter has a dedicated and often vocal fanbase with a great deal of attachment to Shepard's journey aboard the Normandy these past few years. At the same time, it's hard to imagine (or find) the same kind of obsessive clamor for the studio's dark fantasy RPG series.
Nevertheless, here we are talking about an animated expansion of the Dragon Age universe in Dawn of the Seeker. And while there's some nice technical gloss on this CG feature from director Vexille director Fumihiko Sori, this 90-minute film fails to make a convincing case for why one should care about BioWare's fantasy IP.
The film follows Cassandra, a Seeker (essentially a knight), who accidentally sniffs out...
Nevertheless, here we are talking about an animated expansion of the Dragon Age universe in Dawn of the Seeker. And while there's some nice technical gloss on this CG feature from director Vexille director Fumihiko Sori, this 90-minute film fails to make a convincing case for why one should care about BioWare's fantasy IP.
The film follows Cassandra, a Seeker (essentially a knight), who accidentally sniffs out...
- 5/23/2012
- by Charles Webb
- MTV Multiplayer
The Dawn of the Seeker anime will be hitting select screens across the U.S. (and one in Canada) on May 24th before the movie hits DVD.
The movie features a young heroine named Cassandra, who is "a brash and beautiful warrior, must stop a conspiracy that threatens the realm's most powerful religious order. Accused of treasonous crimes and hunted by friend and foe, Cassandra must clear her name and overcome her rage in order to save the day and take her place in legend" (From the Amazon preorder page). Directed by live action and anime filmmaker Fumihiko Sori (Ping Pong, Ichi, Vexille), I can say based on her filmography that Dawn of the Seeker should at least be easy on the eyes.
As you can see from the clip below, the movie is a CG/2D hybrid (where 2D characters essentially laid over 3D models). Vexille) and 2004's Appleseed both used a similar technique.
The movie features a young heroine named Cassandra, who is "a brash and beautiful warrior, must stop a conspiracy that threatens the realm's most powerful religious order. Accused of treasonous crimes and hunted by friend and foe, Cassandra must clear her name and overcome her rage in order to save the day and take her place in legend" (From the Amazon preorder page). Directed by live action and anime filmmaker Fumihiko Sori (Ping Pong, Ichi, Vexille), I can say based on her filmography that Dawn of the Seeker should at least be easy on the eyes.
As you can see from the clip below, the movie is a CG/2D hybrid (where 2D characters essentially laid over 3D models). Vexille) and 2004's Appleseed both used a similar technique.
- 4/23/2012
- by Charles Webb
- MTV Multiplayer
The full trailer for Fumihiko Sori's adaptation of popular boxing anime / manga series Ashita No Joe has arrived at the official site and while it features an unfortunate J-pop soundtrack the visuals are right on par with what you would expect from the director of Ping Pong and Ichi. Tomohisa Yamashita and Yusuke Iseya star.
Not having had any real exposure to any of the previous incarnations of the series I have no idea how this bears up to the previous manga or anime version so any fans out there, feel free to weigh in. Does it look like Sori's got it right?...
Not having had any real exposure to any of the previous incarnations of the series I have no idea how this bears up to the previous manga or anime version so any fans out there, feel free to weigh in. Does it look like Sori's got it right?...
- 11/26/2010
- Screen Anarchy
Last week, a second teaser and new full trailer were added to the official website for Fumihiko Sori’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Tetsuya Chiba and Asao Takamori classic boxing manga Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow’s Joe). The original manga was serialized from 1968-1973 and was later adapted to an anime series and movie.
25-year-old Tomohisa Yamashita of News stars as a troubled youth who is trained in the art of boxing by a man named Dampei Tange (Teruyuki Kagawa). During a temporary stint in prison, he meets a former boxing prodigy named Toru Rikiishi (Yusuke Iseya) and a fierce, but respectful rivalry develops between the two men. In the manga, their battles eventually inspired several other inmates to try their hands at boxing, leading to various match-ups of boxers with vastly different skills and weaknesses which required shifts in fight strategy. However, the film focuses mainly on the initial rivalry that defined the series.
25-year-old Tomohisa Yamashita of News stars as a troubled youth who is trained in the art of boxing by a man named Dampei Tange (Teruyuki Kagawa). During a temporary stint in prison, he meets a former boxing prodigy named Toru Rikiishi (Yusuke Iseya) and a fierce, but respectful rivalry develops between the two men. In the manga, their battles eventually inspired several other inmates to try their hands at boxing, leading to various match-ups of boxers with vastly different skills and weaknesses which required shifts in fight strategy. However, the film focuses mainly on the initial rivalry that defined the series.
- 11/26/2010
- Nippon Cinema
One of the most popular and enduring manga / anime properties of all time, boxing drama Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow's Joe) is coming to the big screen in live action courtesy of Ping Pong, Vexille and Ichi director Fumihiko Sori.
Pop star Tomohisa Yamashita stars as the titular Joe, a young man who hones his fight skills during a prison stint during which he inspires and faces off with a variety of opponents. The freshly released teaser for the picture almost plays like two entirely different movies jammed into one small package. The first half is the Sori we have come to expect when he works in live action - that is to say beautifully shot, featuring an evocative use of music and just all around good. And then the music gives way to cheesy over dramatics all kind of falls apart.
Given that it's Sori at the helm and this...
Pop star Tomohisa Yamashita stars as the titular Joe, a young man who hones his fight skills during a prison stint during which he inspires and faces off with a variety of opponents. The freshly released teaser for the picture almost plays like two entirely different movies jammed into one small package. The first half is the Sori we have come to expect when he works in live action - that is to say beautifully shot, featuring an evocative use of music and just all around good. And then the music gives way to cheesy over dramatics all kind of falls apart.
Given that it's Sori at the helm and this...
- 8/23/2010
- Screen Anarchy
A teaser trailer has been released for Fumihiko Sori‘s upcoming live-action adaptation of Tetsuya Chiba and Asao Takamori’s classic boxing manga Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow’s Joe). The original manga was serialized from 1968-1973 and was later adapted to an anime series and movie.
25-year-old Tomohisa Yamashita of News stars as a troubled youth who is trained in the art of boxing by a man named Dampei Tange (Teruyuki Kagawa). During a temporary stint in prison, he meets a former boxing prodigy named Toru Rikiishi (Yusuke Iseya) and a fierce, but respectful rivalry develops between the two men. Eventually, their battles inspire several other inmates to try their hands at boxing, leading to various match-ups of boxers with vastly different skills and weaknesses.
Toho will be releasing “Ashita no Joe” in Japan in February 2011.
Source: Official website via Anime News Network...
25-year-old Tomohisa Yamashita of News stars as a troubled youth who is trained in the art of boxing by a man named Dampei Tange (Teruyuki Kagawa). During a temporary stint in prison, he meets a former boxing prodigy named Toru Rikiishi (Yusuke Iseya) and a fierce, but respectful rivalry develops between the two men. Eventually, their battles inspire several other inmates to try their hands at boxing, leading to various match-ups of boxers with vastly different skills and weaknesses.
Toho will be releasing “Ashita no Joe” in Japan in February 2011.
Source: Official website via Anime News Network...
- 8/17/2010
- Nippon Cinema
A teaser trailer has been released for Fumihiko Sori‘s upcoming live-action adaptation of Tetsuya Chiba and Asao Takamori’s classic boxing manga Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow’s Joe). The original manga was serialized from 1968-1973 and was later adapted to an anime series and movie.
25-year-old Tomohisa Yamashita of News stars as a troubled youth who is trained in the art of boxing by a man named Dampei Tange (Teruyuki Kagawa). During a temporary stint in prison, he meets a former boxing prodigy named Toru Rikiishi (Yusuke Iseya) and a fierce, but respectful rivalry develops between the two men. Eventually, their battles inspire several other inmates to try their hands at boxing, leading to various match-ups of boxers with vastly different skills and weaknesses.
Toho will be releasing “Ashita no Joe” in Japan in February 2011.
Source: Official website via Anime News Network...
25-year-old Tomohisa Yamashita of News stars as a troubled youth who is trained in the art of boxing by a man named Dampei Tange (Teruyuki Kagawa). During a temporary stint in prison, he meets a former boxing prodigy named Toru Rikiishi (Yusuke Iseya) and a fierce, but respectful rivalry develops between the two men. Eventually, their battles inspire several other inmates to try their hands at boxing, leading to various match-ups of boxers with vastly different skills and weaknesses.
Toho will be releasing “Ashita no Joe” in Japan in February 2011.
Source: Official website via Anime News Network...
- 8/17/2010
- Nippon Cinema
Back in July, North American anime distributor FUNimation announced via press release that they had signed a deal with Electronic Arts subsidiary BioWare to create an animated film based on the Dragon Age video game franchise. Today comes word that Fumihiko Sori, director of Ping Pong (2002), Vexille (2007), and Ichi (2008), will direct.
The film will mark FUNimation’s first foray into original anime movie productions, having announced the initiative back in November of 2009.
BioWare launched the Dragon Age franchise late last year with the highly-anticipated release of their fantasy RPG “Dragon Age: Origins”. The game featured a fairly derivative RPG story and common gameplay mechanics, but was buoyed by BioWare’s typical acute attention to detail and an usual emphasis on freedom of choice, giving players the option to be good, neutral, or evil—or even gay, straight, or bisexual—based entirely on their own actions within the game.
Since its initial release,...
The film will mark FUNimation’s first foray into original anime movie productions, having announced the initiative back in November of 2009.
BioWare launched the Dragon Age franchise late last year with the highly-anticipated release of their fantasy RPG “Dragon Age: Origins”. The game featured a fairly derivative RPG story and common gameplay mechanics, but was buoyed by BioWare’s typical acute attention to detail and an usual emphasis on freedom of choice, giving players the option to be good, neutral, or evil—or even gay, straight, or bisexual—based entirely on their own actions within the game.
Since its initial release,...
- 8/13/2010
- Nippon Cinema
Back in July, North American anime distributor FUNimation announced via press release that they had signed a deal with Electronic Arts subsidiary BioWare to create an animated film based on the Dragon Age video game franchise. Today comes word that Fumihiko Sori, director of Ping Pong (2002), Vexille (2007), and Ichi (2008), will direct.
The film will mark FUNimation’s first foray into original anime movie productions, having announced the initiative back in November of 2009.
BioWare launched the Dragon Age franchise late last year with the highly-anticipated release of their fantasy RPG “Dragon Age: Origins”. The game featured a fairly derivative RPG story and common gameplay mechanics, but was buoyed by BioWare’s typical acute attention to detail and an usual emphasis on freedom of choice, giving players the option to be good, neutral, or evil—or even gay, straight, or bisexual—based entirely on their own actions within the game.
Since its initial release,...
The film will mark FUNimation’s first foray into original anime movie productions, having announced the initiative back in November of 2009.
BioWare launched the Dragon Age franchise late last year with the highly-anticipated release of their fantasy RPG “Dragon Age: Origins”. The game featured a fairly derivative RPG story and common gameplay mechanics, but was buoyed by BioWare’s typical acute attention to detail and an usual emphasis on freedom of choice, giving players the option to be good, neutral, or evil—or even gay, straight, or bisexual—based entirely on their own actions within the game.
Since its initial release,...
- 8/13/2010
- Nippon Cinema
It’s 2010, and while there will be plenty of great anime in the coming weeks and months, AniMania is starting the new year with something a little different by taking a look at the live action sword drama, “Ichi”.
“Ichi” is the latest in the long line of works to draw on the Zatoichi blind swordsman mythos, but with a twist. Ichi, the title character, is a beautiful swords-woman, who travels from village to village in search of the only man to ever show her kindness. Along the way, she meets Toma, who at first comes across as a hopeless bungler, dependent on Ichi to get him out of one sticky situation after another. But as time goes on, we learn that he is hiding a tragic past. There just might be more to this clumsy, would-be samurai than his humorous antics let on.
Live action is nothing new, of course.
“Ichi” is the latest in the long line of works to draw on the Zatoichi blind swordsman mythos, but with a twist. Ichi, the title character, is a beautiful swords-woman, who travels from village to village in search of the only man to ever show her kindness. Along the way, she meets Toma, who at first comes across as a hopeless bungler, dependent on Ichi to get him out of one sticky situation after another. But as time goes on, we learn that he is hiding a tragic past. There just might be more to this clumsy, would-be samurai than his humorous antics let on.
Live action is nothing new, of course.
- 1/8/2010
- by E. Douglas
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Need some last minute x-mas gifts for your favorite genre fanatic? This week's got enough doozies to round out the holiday cheer nicely.
For one thing, we finally get to see Staten Island (trailer, amazon) the mob flick with Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio and Seymour Cassel that was previously titled "Little New York."
Of course we can't forget Neil Blompkamp's District 9 (amazon) is out on DVD and Blu-ray today. Easily one of the best science fiction films in a long time, District 9 was among the three big Hollywood game changers this year (the other two are of course, Paranormal Activity for micro-budget and Avatar for technology).
Another scifi / horror film getting release today is Ghost Machine (trailer, amazon) which finally arrives thanks to Anchor Bay.
Need a good chuckle? Craving a carefree romantic comedy to go along with your holiday rum and eggnog? Then don't get 500 Days of Summer (amazon) this week.
For one thing, we finally get to see Staten Island (trailer, amazon) the mob flick with Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio and Seymour Cassel that was previously titled "Little New York."
Of course we can't forget Neil Blompkamp's District 9 (amazon) is out on DVD and Blu-ray today. Easily one of the best science fiction films in a long time, District 9 was among the three big Hollywood game changers this year (the other two are of course, Paranormal Activity for micro-budget and Avatar for technology).
Another scifi / horror film getting release today is Ghost Machine (trailer, amazon) which finally arrives thanks to Anchor Bay.
Need a good chuckle? Craving a carefree romantic comedy to go along with your holiday rum and eggnog? Then don't get 500 Days of Summer (amazon) this week.
- 12/22/2009
- QuietEarth.us
How about a little feature-length anime to brighten the first day of December? Brand-new on SlashControl is Fumihiko Sori's eye-dazzling Vexille, which is a sci-fi action tale that's way too complicated to cover here. Suffice to say it's got lots of cool ideas, epic moments, awesome action sequences, and a rather excellent Paul Oakenfold score.
As a matter of fact, I actually reviewed this film from the Toronto Film Festival way back in 2007. Here's a piece from that review:
"On a technical scale, Vexille (aka Bekushiru: 2077 Nippon Sakoku) is an undeniable treat for the eyes. Combining 2-D and 3-D animation (as in his earlier Appleseed), Sori eschews belabored backstories and mystical blather in favor of a straightforward sci-fi action-fest. Plus the two main heroes are women, which I found to be a nice switch. (And again, the stuff in between the action is actually interesting!) Fans of the manga...
As a matter of fact, I actually reviewed this film from the Toronto Film Festival way back in 2007. Here's a piece from that review:
"On a technical scale, Vexille (aka Bekushiru: 2077 Nippon Sakoku) is an undeniable treat for the eyes. Combining 2-D and 3-D animation (as in his earlier Appleseed), Sori eschews belabored backstories and mystical blather in favor of a straightforward sci-fi action-fest. Plus the two main heroes are women, which I found to be a nice switch. (And again, the stuff in between the action is actually interesting!) Fans of the manga...
- 12/1/2009
- by Scott Weinberg
- Cinematical
Looks like the anime distributors are in a giving mood this week. While FUNimation is streaming the first eight and a half minutes of Evangelion 1.0, Avex uploaded a ten minute long clip from Fumihiko Sori’s Sci-Fi CG Anime To to youTube. Technically, this doesn’t look much better than Vexille but maybe To will have more to offer on the story side since it’s based on Yukinobu Hoshino’s 2001 Nights (2001 Ya Monotogari) manga series.
To will be released in two episodes, Symbiotic Planet and Elliptical Orbit on DVD and Blu-ray Disc in Japan on December 18, 2009.
[via Ann]...
To will be released in two episodes, Symbiotic Planet and Elliptical Orbit on DVD and Blu-ray Disc in Japan on December 18, 2009.
[via Ann]...
- 11/13/2009
- by Ulrik
- Affenheimtheater
Not to be confused with Takashi Miike’s deranged antihero movie of the same name, Fumihiko Sori’s (Ping Pong) Ichi is based on the hugely popular TV and movie saga Zatoichi, the tale of a blind swordsman and his sword wielding adventures. This time we are following the journey of a young girl and her shamisen, roaming small towns and villages in search of her mysterious teacher, a man we glimpse in flashbacks. She believes that he might be her father; we get the feeling that he might be the legendary Zatoichi himself. Ichi’s journey is interrupted when three thugs, the Banki-to, make her an offer she really can refuse. A wandering samurai intervenes, well I say intervenes, he kind of just gets in the way and makes himself look stupid but fortunately for him, Ichi is a bit of a sword fighting genius. She makes short work...
- 8/15/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
Last night the Japanese website for To, Fumihiko Sori’s adaptation of Yukinobu Hoshino’s Sci-Fi Manga 2001 Nights (2001 Ya Monotogari) has been updated and is now streaming the very first teaser trailer. It doesn’t show much (most the already known space ship) but at least we now know that Sori will use CG animation like he did in Vexille.
[See post to watch Flash video] [thanks to Quiet Earth for the heads up!]...
[See post to watch Flash video] [thanks to Quiet Earth for the heads up!]...
- 7/22/2009
- by Ulrik
- Affenheimtheater
Sweet news from our pals at the affenheimtheater this morning! It seems that Fumihiko Sori, director of Vexille, Ichi and the groundbreaking Appleseed, will be making an adaptation of the popular sci-fi manga "2001 Nights" (2001 Ya Monotogari). Called simply To, the project has even launched an official website here.
The manga by Yukinobu Hoshino was published between 1984 to 1986 and tells several short stories about mankind’s adventures in space. Personally, I'd like to see a more traditional animation approach from the usually CGI happy Sori, but whatever, this project will no doubt be truly epic in scope regardless.
The manga by Yukinobu Hoshino was published between 1984 to 1986 and tells several short stories about mankind’s adventures in space. Personally, I'd like to see a more traditional animation approach from the usually CGI happy Sori, but whatever, this project will no doubt be truly epic in scope regardless.
- 7/9/2009
- QuietEarth.us
Ann has posted first details on the new project from Fumihiko Sori, director of Ping Pong, Vexille and Ichi, and director of Appleseed. According to the news, Sori will direct To, an adaptation of the sci-fi manga 2001 Nights (2001 Ya Monotogari) from Yukinobu Hoshino. The manga was published between 1984 to 1986 and tells several short stories about mankind’s adventures in space. It was already adapted in 1987 as the 60-minutes Ova Space Fantasia 2001 Nights.
It’s yet unknown if Sori will use traditional animation or rather power-up the rendering super machines like he did for Vexille and Appleseed. Avex has opened the official website for the To project yesterday but until now it only shows the teaser artwork below.
[via Ann & Toronto J-Film Pow-Wow]...
It’s yet unknown if Sori will use traditional animation or rather power-up the rendering super machines like he did for Vexille and Appleseed. Avex has opened the official website for the To project yesterday but until now it only shows the teaser artwork below.
[via Ann & Toronto J-Film Pow-Wow]...
- 7/9/2009
- by Ulrik
- Affenheimtheater
With its U.K theatrical release barely over a week away, we’ve just been given some great new clips from Fumihiko Sori's Ichi, his reimagining of the legendary blind swordsman series…"Zatoichi." Traditionally a male character Sori's turns tradition on its head and Ichi stars actress Haruka Ayase (Hero) in the title role playing a young, beautiful blind musician who also happens to be an lethal swordswoman. All the clips can be accessed from the links below. For full details on film screening locations, times and dates, whiz on over to the pics official site for the info.
- 6/30/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
With its U.K theatrical release barely over a week away, we’ve just been given some great new clips from Fumihiko Sori's Ichi, his reimagining of the legendary blind swordsman series…"Zatoichi." Traditionally a male character Sori's turns tradition on its head and Ichi stars actress Haruka Ayase (Hero) in the title role playing a young, beautiful blind musician who also happens to be an lethal swordswoman. All the clips can be accessed from the links below. For full details on film screening locations, times and dates, whiz on over to the pics official site for the info.
- 6/30/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
Well this was surprise. Back last Thursday we announced that Fumihiko Sori’s ("Vexille" "Ping Pong) female "Zatoichi" martial arts action saga Ichi was heading for UK DVD. Well just to keep us on our toes they’ve now gone and thrown a curved ball at us by suddenly announcing the film will be getting a UK theatrical (albeit limited) release! Ichi (cert. 15 tbc) will now be released by Manga Entertainment in selected UK cinemas, on 10th July 2009.
- 6/7/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
Just like promised the day before yesterday, the full program with (so far?) 38 titles for the 10. Japanese Film Festival Hamburg is now available online. The Jffh will take place from May 27 to May 31.
Cafe Isobe by Keisuke Yoshida (Eröffnungsfilm) Appassionata by Sadao Nakajima Arbol del Tule by Takeya Sekiguchi Balloon Forest by Takashi Miura Takuya Bluebird by Shu Asakawa Captain Tokyo by Kazushi Watanabe Crazed Beast by Sadao Nakajima Cyborg She by Kwak Jae Yong Das Leben von meinem Vater Yoshiari by Mitsuwaha Yusaku Der Buddha, der den Fuchs berührt by Yosuke Kaneko Der Engel im blauen Himmel Der Rote Punkt by Marie Miyayama Detroit Metal City by Toshio Lee Dream of the City by Shunichi Takagi Empty Blue by Kou Hanekawa Escape from Hiroshima Prison by Sadao Nakajima Gelatin Silver Love by Kazumi Kurigami Genius Party by Studio 4°C Genius Party Beyond by Studio 4°C Grotesque by Koji Shiraishi...
Cafe Isobe by Keisuke Yoshida (Eröffnungsfilm) Appassionata by Sadao Nakajima Arbol del Tule by Takeya Sekiguchi Balloon Forest by Takashi Miura Takuya Bluebird by Shu Asakawa Captain Tokyo by Kazushi Watanabe Crazed Beast by Sadao Nakajima Cyborg She by Kwak Jae Yong Das Leben von meinem Vater Yoshiari by Mitsuwaha Yusaku Der Buddha, der den Fuchs berührt by Yosuke Kaneko Der Engel im blauen Himmel Der Rote Punkt by Marie Miyayama Detroit Metal City by Toshio Lee Dream of the City by Shunichi Takagi Empty Blue by Kou Hanekawa Escape from Hiroshima Prison by Sadao Nakajima Gelatin Silver Love by Kazumi Kurigami Genius Party by Studio 4°C Genius Party Beyond by Studio 4°C Grotesque by Koji Shiraishi...
- 4/24/2009
- by Ulrik
- Affenheimtheater
Freshly off a screening of Fumihiko Sori’s Ichi - a partial re-envisioning, partial continuation of the classic Zatoichi saga - I feel quite confident about two things.
First, though he now has only three feature films to his credit Sori is arguably Japan’s most wildly diverse director. Thus far he has made a charming indie comedy (Ping Pong), an animated scifi spectacle (Vexille), and now a traditional swordplay drama. All are impeccably crafted and all vary so wildly in style and approach that you’d never guess that the same man directed all three if not for his name in the credits.
Second, if there is any man on the surface of this planet with a fighting chance to out-do Riki Takeuchi in the crazy-face department then that man must surely be Shidou Nakamura. Yes, both are in this film and, yes, both break out the crazy-face on a regular basis.
First, though he now has only three feature films to his credit Sori is arguably Japan’s most wildly diverse director. Thus far he has made a charming indie comedy (Ping Pong), an animated scifi spectacle (Vexille), and now a traditional swordplay drama. All are impeccably crafted and all vary so wildly in style and approach that you’d never guess that the same man directed all three if not for his name in the credits.
Second, if there is any man on the surface of this planet with a fighting chance to out-do Riki Takeuchi in the crazy-face department then that man must surely be Shidou Nakamura. Yes, both are in this film and, yes, both break out the crazy-face on a regular basis.
- 10/10/2008
- by Todd Brown
- Screen Anarchy
You know what I love about Twitch readers? They have great taste, by which I of course mean taste very similar to my own, and so I know that when I head away from home for a few days - as I just did, traveling to Fantasia - I can count on them to find all the good stuff that I don’t have the time to go looking for myself. Such as what happened right now, when I received an email from regular reader Raku pointing out the full theatrical trailer for Fumihiko Sori’s Ichi.
Sori, of course, is the much loved director of Ping Pong and Vexille and this film is his re-envisioning of the classic Zatoichi story with a young girl replacing the older man as the wandering, sword wielding, blind masseur. I had the chance to catch this in the market at Cannes and while...
Sori, of course, is the much loved director of Ping Pong and Vexille and this film is his re-envisioning of the classic Zatoichi story with a young girl replacing the older man as the wandering, sword wielding, blind masseur. I had the chance to catch this in the market at Cannes and while...
- 7/17/2008
- by Todd Brown
- Screen Anarchy
- The jury composed of Walter Carvalho, Saverio Costanzo, Irène Jacob, Jia Zhang-ke, Romuald Karmakar and Bruno Todeschini gave out a bunch of leopards on the weekend. Masahiro Kobayashi (see pic above) won the Golden Leopard for his film Ai no yokan (The Rebirth). Best Director was awarded to Capitaine Achab by Philippe Ramos (France) and the Special Jury Prize went to Memories (Jeonju Digital Project 2007) by Pedro Costa, Harun Farocki and Eugène Green. Spanish actress Carmen Maura and the French actor Michel Piccoli both received an Excellence Award (Michel Piccoli also received the prize for best actor in Sous les toits de Paris, joint winner was Michele Venitucci in Fuori dalle corde). And finally (and not surprisingly), Death at a Funeral (the Brit comedy by Frank Oz) won the audience award – this making it the 5th or 6th time that it has walked away from an international festival with such honors.
- 8/13/2007
- IONCINEMA.com
LOCARNO, Switzerland -- The European premiere of the Judd Apatow comedy "Knocked Up" was among the highlights of the first full day of the Locarno Film Festival, which found festivalgoers undeterred by the possibility of a late-afternoon rainstorm that could have affected screenings at the outdoor Piazza Grande.
The crowd Thursday, approximating 3,500, was larger than the opening-night audience for the Japanese anime entry "Vexille", from Fumihiko Sori, and a showing of Ingmar Bergman's "Saraband", a last-minute addition that came in the wake of the Swedish director's death Monday.
The opening film Thursday night was "My Brother Is an Only Child" from Daniele Luchetti, a period drama about troubled family relationships that was one of the top boxoffice draws this year in Italy. The screening was the film's first outside Italy aside from May's Festival de Cannes.
"This is a great honor for me to show my film in one of the greatest venues in the world and one of the best audiences in the world," Luchetti said before the screening.
The crowd Thursday, approximating 3,500, was larger than the opening-night audience for the Japanese anime entry "Vexille", from Fumihiko Sori, and a showing of Ingmar Bergman's "Saraband", a last-minute addition that came in the wake of the Swedish director's death Monday.
The opening film Thursday night was "My Brother Is an Only Child" from Daniele Luchetti, a period drama about troubled family relationships that was one of the top boxoffice draws this year in Italy. The screening was the film's first outside Italy aside from May's Festival de Cannes.
"This is a great honor for me to show my film in one of the greatest venues in the world and one of the best audiences in the world," Luchetti said before the screening.
MILAN -- The world premiere of Fumihiko Sori's animated film "Vexille" will open the 60th annual Locarno International Film Festival on Aug. 1, organizers said Wednesday, ushering in a program that includes a host of Hollywood films and projects from up-and-coming international directors.
The selection of the anime title -- about a female agent investigating the development of prohibited robotic technologies -- represents a departure from last year's opening film, "Miami Vice". But second-year artistic director Frederic Maire is hardly avoiding Hollywood fare.
Slated for world or European premieres in Locarno's famous Piazza Grande are "Planet Terror" and "1408" from the Weinstein Co., "The Bourne Ultimatum" and "Knocked Up" from Universal, "Waitress" from Fox Searchlight and "Hairspray" from New Line Cinema.
The Franco-American co-production "Winners and Losers", Polish director Lech Kowalski's 2006 World Cup documentary told from the perspective of the spectators, will close the festival Aug. 11.
Hong Kong's "The Drummer", starring Jaycee Chan, son of action icon Jackie Chan, also will screen in the Piazza Grande, along with the Brett Morgen documentary "Chicago 10", about the violence-ridden 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Among the top-shelf Hollywood talent expected to attend the lakeside festival are Anthony Hopkins and Christian Slater, co-stars in the competition comedy "Slipstream". The film represents Hopkins' third directorial effort and first writing credit.
The only other U.S. film in competition is "Joshua" from George Ratliff.
The selection of the anime title -- about a female agent investigating the development of prohibited robotic technologies -- represents a departure from last year's opening film, "Miami Vice". But second-year artistic director Frederic Maire is hardly avoiding Hollywood fare.
Slated for world or European premieres in Locarno's famous Piazza Grande are "Planet Terror" and "1408" from the Weinstein Co., "The Bourne Ultimatum" and "Knocked Up" from Universal, "Waitress" from Fox Searchlight and "Hairspray" from New Line Cinema.
The Franco-American co-production "Winners and Losers", Polish director Lech Kowalski's 2006 World Cup documentary told from the perspective of the spectators, will close the festival Aug. 11.
Hong Kong's "The Drummer", starring Jaycee Chan, son of action icon Jackie Chan, also will screen in the Piazza Grande, along with the Brett Morgen documentary "Chicago 10", about the violence-ridden 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Among the top-shelf Hollywood talent expected to attend the lakeside festival are Anthony Hopkins and Christian Slater, co-stars in the competition comedy "Slipstream". The film represents Hopkins' third directorial effort and first writing credit.
The only other U.S. film in competition is "Joshua" from George Ratliff.
- 7/12/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TOKYO -- The production team behind the 2004 big-screen version of Appleseed has reunited to create Vexille, which will be released worldwide by Japan's Shochiku in the late summer.
Shochiku said Monday that it has acquired global rights to the CG-animated title, which is being directed by Appleseed producer Fumihiko Sori from a script by Haruka Handa.
Appleseed began life in 1985 as a manga that went on to spawn four volumes as well as two animated shows before the 2004 theatrical release directed by Shinji Aramaki.
The enormously popular film was released in 30 countries and sold more than 300,000 DVDs in the U.S.
Shochiku has high hopes for the title, which has a budget of about $10 million.
"The success of CG-animated films has definitely opened the market for a new breed of animated films, in terms of technology and concept," said Teruki Matsumoto, managing director of Shochiku's motion picture operations.
Set in Japan in 2067, the story centers on the country's isolation after the United Nations bans further research on robotic technology because of concerns about a threat to mankind.
Shochiku said Monday that it has acquired global rights to the CG-animated title, which is being directed by Appleseed producer Fumihiko Sori from a script by Haruka Handa.
Appleseed began life in 1985 as a manga that went on to spawn four volumes as well as two animated shows before the 2004 theatrical release directed by Shinji Aramaki.
The enormously popular film was released in 30 countries and sold more than 300,000 DVDs in the U.S.
Shochiku has high hopes for the title, which has a budget of about $10 million.
"The success of CG-animated films has definitely opened the market for a new breed of animated films, in terms of technology and concept," said Teruki Matsumoto, managing director of Shochiku's motion picture operations.
Set in Japan in 2067, the story centers on the country's isolation after the United Nations bans further research on robotic technology because of concerns about a threat to mankind.
- 3/20/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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