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2010-12-16

The Next Studio Ghibli Feature Film: Kokuriko Zaka-Kara (From Up on Poppy Hill)

Kokuriko Zaka-Kara (From Up on Poppy Hill)

Goro Miyazaki is back!

Time is short for me right now, so I'll write my longer impressions on my next post. But I had to share the news of Studio Ghibli's next feature film. It's Kokuriko Zaka-Kara, an adaptation of a 1980 shojo manga (girl's comic) about a teenage girl inYokohama, Japan.

Goro Miyazaki will be directing, after a long period of properly paying his dues at the studio. You will be reassured to know that Hayao Miyazaki is in charge of the movie's planning and its script/storyboards. This is very similar to this year's Ghibli movie, The Borrower Arrietty, which was a blockbuster success.

Few details are available as of now, only the preliminary movie poster. The movie trailers will arrive later in the spring, in anticipation for a summer 2011 release, as is the Ghibli tradition. Again, I'll write my impressions when I have some time later tonight. But I will leave these notes:

1) Goro's career rests in the balance. This movie will seal his future as a director, as well as Studio Ghibli.

2) We are now firmly moving into the post-Hayao Miyazaki era. We are entering the next generation of Ghibli.

3) Hayao Miyazaki's and Isao Takahata's next features might possibly be their last. I hope I'm wrong about that last point.

11 comments:

watkinzez said...

It's great to see father and son working together on this film, especially after their fallout during Tales from Earthsea. That collaboration and mentor figure is what Goro needs, I think.

Gnickerson said...

A new Ghibli movie is always good news. I expect with Hayao's involvement that this film will be much better then Goro's last effort.

I also think that adapting a manga and not a loved series like "Earthsea" will also play into his favor. Goro's very loose and jumbled adaptation of the "Earthsea" series seemed to annoy a lot of people.

Between that and no blessing from his father, he was behind the 8 Ball from the start last time around.

Anonymous said...

I know I am one of the few that liked "Tales of the Earthsea", and actually see it as something more erthreal and emotional in nature, but I am delighted that he is onto his next project.

I agree that we are starting to delve into a new era, as I think Ninokuni is the most creditable proof of this.

IMO I don't think it's a bad thing, as long as they generally hold onto their unique stylistic choices and nature orientated story telling, I think branching out a little in moderation is good.

But I hope we get a few more pieces from Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, before we are truly post that Ghibli generation.

Unknown said...

Mr. Thomas

i'm not sure how often you hear it but you're a blessing to North American fans. Outstanding work! All the best going forward and thank-you again for this wonderful resource.

James said...

Yeah! Coming of age slice of life female protagonist Ghibli. I hope it doesn't have any weird convoluted fantasy stuff. So long as Miyazaki senior is doing planning/script/storyboards, heck, even *I* could direct this and not mess up.

Michael Sporn said...

The Variety report of this story left a bit to be desired. I knew I could get a fuller version here. Looking forward to anything more you have to write about it.

Hayao Miyazaki seems determined to retire. His son doesn't have his sensitivity, at least not from the work I've seen. He'll be missed. PONYO was one of the best experiences I've had with an animated feature in the post-Walt era.

Cory Gross said...

I really hope, in spite of what Hayao said a few months ago, that Studio Ghibli really isn't pinning its hopes on one film or one director. Good Lord guys, give it a little bit.

ItchyScratchyUrr said...

Another film!- that puts me 2 movies behind now, and have only vague idea of how many pre-ghibli stuff i've yet to get. looks like i'm still on safri i guess.

Anonymous said...

Earthsea is getting a DVD only release on March 8, 2011. But the big news is.....Nausicaa is getting it's US Blu Ray release same day! Here's link

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Nausicaa-of-the-Valley-of-the-Wind-Blu-ray/10049/

also here

http://disneydvd.disney.go.com/nausicaa-of-the-valley-of-the-wind.html

Ghibli Fans REJOICE!Also loving the boxart it's not as nice as Japanese but it's nice regardless.

Tofu said...

Hope the next Movie will Be Great! :)

Hanna said...

I can't take the suspense!!!!!

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