Studio Ghibli’s “Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter” Is Coming to Amazon Prime

When you hear the name Studio Ghibli an array of beautifully animated stories with stunning narration come to mind. From the beloved classics My Neighbor Totoro or Spirited Away, the list goes on. In short; Studio Ghibli is synonymous for animated feature films.

But that reputation is about to change with the Japanese company. For the first time they are taking a step back from the silver screen and headed directly to our television sets and devices. The all-new animated TV series “Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter” is headed to the streaming giant Amazon Prime.

According to the Press Release, the series will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on January 27 for subscribers in the US and UK. Excitingly, the series will be narrated by Gillian Anderson, directed by Gorō Miyazaki (From Up on Poppy Hill, Tales from Earthsea).

Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming at Amazon Studios, said,

“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Studio Ghibli on their first television series, excited to have the talented Gillian Anderson narrate, and proud to bring Astrid Lindgren’s well-loved novel to life. We look forward to sharing this incredible story of love, family and friendship with our customers.”

“Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter” is based on the children’s fantasy book by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren (Pippi Longstocking). The 26-part epic follows 10-year-old Ronja (voiced by Teresa Gallagher), who is born on a stormy night in a mountain fort, surrounded by her father (Rufus Hound), mother (Morwenna Banks) and a loving band of robbers. She grows to be a strong girl, and discovers that the forest is both a beautiful and frightening place inhabited by strange creatures. She befriends Birk (Kelly Adams), the son of her father’s rival, and so begins the drama of her friendship and family loyalties.

The director, Gorō Miyazaki, said,

“With Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter, Astrid Lindgren seems to be telling children to believe in their own power to grow, whilst telling adults to learn more from children. Mutual respect will attain freedom in the true sense of the word.”

“Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter” is already a hit series in Japan, and winner of the International Emmy Award for Best Kids Animation.

Though not officially part of the winter 2017 anime season, there is no question that anime fans along with lifelong Studio Ghibli fans will be clamoring to this new series. However, I think it makes a fine addition to a lot of new series also starting their streaming this month.

It had been said a while back that Amazon, along with other notable streaming services, had been wanting to jump into the anime simulcasts. A fact I did brush off to an extent, but this goes to show that Amazon is serious. Both about bring more anime titles to their library, but also for even more new and exclusive content.

Now we just have to wait until the 27^th to stream!

Join the conversation: What are your thoughts on “Ronja”?