Overview
- GKIDS announces the North American premiere of Hideaki Anno’s debut live-action film, LOVE & POP.
- Connections between Anno’s “Shin”films hint at a shared universe leading to the upcoming Shin Japan Heroes.
- The acquisition of tokusatsu properties by Studio Khara suggests potential remakes or new productions on the horizon.
Quick Links
- Other Live-Action Films by Hideaki Anno
- The “Shin”Films and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Short
In an exciting development for film enthusiasts, GKIDS is set to showcase LOVE & POP, the first commercial live-action venture directed by the iconic Hideaki Anno, known for his work on Neon Genesis Evangelion.
After forming a partnership with Toho, GKIDS is amplifying its efforts to deliver unique content to American audiences. This includes their recent involvement with a prologue film for the latest Gundam series, a project indicative of their strategic relationship with Japanese distributors.
The official premiere date for LOVE & POP has been set for February 21, 2025, marking a significant milestone as the film will be screened across North America.
The narrative of LOVE & POP draws inspiration from Ryu Murakami’s novel, Love and Pop: Topaz II. It portrays the journey of Hiromi (Asumi Miwa), a high school student who becomes involved in enjo kosai, a form of compensated dating viewed through a controversial lens in Japanese society during the 1990s. The practice, often associated with negative perceptions similar to that of prostitution, raises compelling questions about gender and economic dynamics.
GKIDS is proud to announce the first-ever North American theatrical release for Hideaki Anno’s 1998 live action feature debut LOVE & POP.⭐️ NYC – IFC Center starting Feb 21⭐️ LA – American Cinematheque’s Los Feliz 3 starting Feb 23⭐️ More cities coming soon!🔞 Recommended age 18+ [image or embed] — GKIDS Films (@gkids.com) 3 de fevereiro de 2025 às 17:00
Previously showcased at the 2024 Fantasia Festival and available on MUBI, this film has gained significant attention within the film community.
Exploring Hideaki Anno’s Other Live-Action Films
The “Shin”Film Series and a Rare Nausicaä Short
Hideaki Anno’s passion for tokusatsu—a genre deeply rooted in Japanese popular culture—has led him to explore various projects, culminating in the creation of the renowned “Shin”films. These imaginative re-imaginings include Shin Godzilla, Shin Kamen Rider, and Shin Ultraman, each linked by the common theme of ‘Shin, ’ or ‘true.’ Fans affectionately joke about these films residing within a shared universe crafted by Anno himself.
What began as a light-hearted joke has transformed into a wider narrative universe, with Anno spearheading the Shin Japan Heroes initiative. This ambitious project features collaborations from various iconic franchises, blending properties like Evangelion, Kamen Rider, Ultraman, and Godzilla.
Among Anno’s unique contributions is a live-action short film serving as a prequel to Hayao Miyazaki’s classic, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984).This film stands as a rare example of Anno receiving the rare approval of Miyazaki to adapt one of his works into live-action.
Adding to the excitement, Studio Khara, under Anno’s leadership, has recently acquired several tokusatsu franchises from P-Productions, which primarily features series from the vibrant era of the 1960s and 1970s. While the studio’s future plans for these franchises remain a mystery, the possibilities include remastered editions or entirely new productions.
Sources: GKIDS, Anime News Network
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