Makoto Shinkai's 'Suzume' Returns to Cinemas in the US and Canada
Anime auteur Makoto Shinkai is that rare crossover filmmaker. He is able to create films that appeal both to hardcore anime fans and non fans alike. Crunchyroll have announced that his most recent film, Suzume, is returning to over 200 cinema screens across the United States and select cities in Canada, starting this weekend. The film will screen both in Japanese with subtitles and with an English dub.
Suzume had its international premiere at Berlin International Film Festival ('Berlinale'), marking the first time an anime film has screened in competition in over two decades. On release, the film was met with positive reviews and strong box-office, earning over $300 million worldwide in its initial run. The film is currently the 4th highest-grossing anime film of all time.
The film has been nominated for the World Soundtrack Awards "Discovery of the Year" and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards "Best Animated Feature Film." It was also awarded Outstanding Achievement In Music at the Japan Academy Prizes.
The film follows the titular teen, as alongside her companion, a talking chair (you read that right) tries to save Japan from disaster. Shinkai says the film was inspired by his memories from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan.
Shinkai has been revered in the animation world for quite some time, but it was with Your Name that he really burst onto the international scene and the wider world began to take notice. It went on to become the third highest grossing Japanese film of all time. He followed it up with Weathering With You, which took over $193 million at the box-office. It was also selected by Japan as their entry in the Best International Feature, and was nominated for four awards at the 47th Annie Awards.
For tickets visit the film's website or your local box-office.
Synopsis
On the other side of the door, was time in its entirety—
“Suzume” is a coming-of-age story for the 17-year-old protagonist, Suzume, set in various disaster-stricken locations across Japan, where she must close the doors causing devastation.
Suzume’s journey begins in a quiet town in Kyushu (located in southwestern Japan) when she encounters a young man who tells her, “I’m looking for a door.” What Suzume finds is a single weathered door standing upright in the midst of ruins as though it was shielded from whatever catastrophe struck. Seemingly drawn by its power, Suzume reaches for the knob… Doors begin to open one after another all across Japan, unleashing destruction upon any who are near. Suzume must close these portals to prevent further disaster.
—The stars, then sunset, and the morning sky.
Within that realm, it was as though all time had melted together in the sky…
Never-before-seen scenery, encounters and farewells… A myriad of challenges await her on her journey. Despite all the obstacles in her way, Suzume’s adventure shines a ray of hope upon our own struggles against the toughest roads of anxiety and constraints that make up everyday life. This story of closing doors that connect our past to the present and future will leave a lasting impression upon all of our hearts.
Drawn in by these mysterious doors, Suzume’s journey is about to begin.
