Even if you do not keep with the with anime seasons. Stream the newest series on Crunchyroll. Wait less than patently for the dub casts to be announced for Funimation’s dub simulcasts. Stalk RightStuff to pre-order favourite titles the minute the pre-order goes live. Driving yourself mad waiting for details about that theatrical run of the film you are simply dying to see.
If none of that sounds the least bit normal, and anime is as far off your radar as it comes. Chances are that still, you have some level of familiarity with the world of anime. It is very likely that you have heard, at least in passing, of a studio by the name of Studio Ghibli.
The animation studio out of Koganei, Tokyo in Japan has been waving stories since 1985. With titles such as “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” “Castle in the Sky,” “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Arrietty.” These are, of course, only a small few of the twenty full length films the famed studio has crafted.
But one might argue that there is no film quite as grand, or as miraculous as that of “Spirited Away”.
On their way to their new home, a young girl, Chihiro, and her parents stumble into what appears to be an abandoned theme park. But all is not as it seems, as the theme park is a bath-house for the spirits, and not a place where humans are welcome. Chihiro must fend for herself and rescue her parents, as they have been turned to pigs as punishment for eating the food meant for the gods.
The eleventh film by Ghibli was released in 2001 is still highly regarded. And retains the title of the record highest-grossing film in the Japanese’s box office. In addition it is currently the only Japanese film to receive the highly exclaimed Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Both of which accomplishment are no easy or little feat. Despite the number of highly successful and spectacular films that have hit theatres in Japan, none have yet to touch “Spirited Away”. And no other anime film has come close to winning in Academy award since then. Up for consideration- yes. Nominated- yes. But won- nope.
To think that both the records had been set fifteen years ago is something of mind blowing.
As the film now celebrates fifteen years, a celebration is only fitting for something so beloved. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Fathom Events, GKids, Hot Topic- and Studio Ghibli themselves. “Spirited Away” will be dashing across the silver screens once more.
The film clocking in at two hours and five minutes will have a two day engagement. The first screening on Sunday, December 4th at noon (local time) will offer the English dub. And then on Monday, December 5th at 7:00 PM (again, local time) will be the English subtitled version.
Tickets for both the dubbed and subbed are up for sale at any of the four-hundred plus theaters across the nation offering showings.
Even if you are not an anime fan and have never seen anything even related to it. I do urge you to take a chance and try it. There are so many amazing characters and stories out there that will reach your heart- if you allow yourself the chance.
Join the conversation: What do you think of the Fathom Events? Is there a specific title (anime or not) that you want to see get this treatment?
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
YouTube
RSS