Japanese animated films to premiere in PH cinemas in November

EACH month has a lot of new and exciting things to offer to us fans.

For some, these could be music shows, fan meets, a forthcoming album, a new single, or the latest project of their favorite artists.

Of course, cinephiles also have a lot of great movies to look forward to in November, with the forthcoming release of a new wave of films with unique storylines.

If you are specifically a fan of Japanese animated films, then here are the films you should not miss out on in Philippine cinemas this month:

‘The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes’

When: November 1

Kicking off the month is the coming-of-age romantic drama film “The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes,” directed by Tomohisa Taguchi.

First released in 2022, the highly-acclaimed movie tells how two classmates–Kaoru Tono and Anzu Hanashiro–formed a deeper connection as they unravel the mystery behind the magical “Urashima Tunnel,” which is rumored to grant the wishes of a person who walks through it.

“The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes” is inspired by a Japanese light novel of the same name written by Mei Hachimoku.

Kaoru was voiced by Oji Suzuka, who recently starred in the 2023 high school romance series “From Me to You: Kimi ni Todoke” on Netflix, while Anzu was voiced by Marie Iitoyo.

The film will be exclusively screened at SM Cinemas.

‘City Hunter The Movie: Angel Dust’

When: November 8

Entertainment company Aniplex has produced a new theatrical film this year titled: “City Hunter The Movie: Angel Dust.”

The action-comedy animated film follows Ryo Saeba, also known as “City Hunter,” who takes on various requests, especially if these involve beautiful women. He is partnered with his late best friend’s sister, Kaori Makimura. 

Ryo will encounter his dark past, as they deal with the occurrence of the latest version of “Angel Dust,” a technology that turns humans into super soldiers with nanomachines. 

Akira Kamiya and Kazue Ikura lent their voices to Ryo and Kaori, respectively.

“City Hunter The Movie: Angel Dust” will also be shown in SM Cinemas only.

‘The Boy and The Heron’

When: November 29

Filipino Studio Ghibli fans are also in for a treat this November, as the newest feature film by 82-year-old animator Hayao Miyazaki is set to arrive in Philippine cinemas.

“The Boy and The Heron” follows a young boy named Mahito who discovers a tower that leads him to a magical world. A talking heron tells him that he can find and save his lost mother by entering the tower.

In October, film distributor GKIDS announced the star-studded English voice cast for the forthcoming movie.

The cast includes Luca Padovan as Mahito, Robert Pattinson as the Gray Heron, Christian Bale as Shoichi Maki, Dave Bautista as The Parakeet King, Gemma Chan as Natsuko, Willem Dafoe as Noble Pelican, Karen Fukuhara as Lady Himi, Mark Hamill as Granduncle, and Florence Pugh as Kiriko.

They will also be joined by Mamoudou Athie, Tony Revolri, and Dan Stevens who will give voices to the Parakeets. 

“The Boy and The Heron” was screened at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), making history as the first animated film to become the opening movie at the festival.