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The year 2024 was revolutionary for the anime industry. Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto is no exception to this, especially with the film Look Back. It is a one-shot wonder in more ways than one.

The film spotlights the mangaka through the Oscar nomination. Apart from Hayao Miyazaki, Fujimoto’s movie is boosting the Japanese anime industry on the whole. But there’s a movie yet to be credited for the mangaka’s inspiration.

Denji in a still from the anime | Credit: Mappa

In an interview, Fujimoto revealed a cult classic Charlize Theron film to be the inspiration behind his characters. His Oscar-nominated film is nothing short of a masterpiece in most aspects.

From complexities and conflicts to creativity, the film lives up to its masterpiece status through its impeccable animation. But it has more to do with the mangaka’s exploration of the central theme of dreams and aspirations in the manga.

The recent revelation about Shanks having a twin who is a member of the God Knights is one that One Piece fans have anticipated for a long time. Ever since Shanks has been portrayed in a contentious situation where he met the Five Elders, fans have been hoping for an explanation that would justify all of this, and Shanks’ twin is the perfect answer for it.

Shanks meets the Five Elders in One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

However, the official introduction of Shanks’ twin begs another question about whether he is his brother, and if so, does this mean that Shanks is a Celestial Dragon himself? Eiichiro Oda has yet to reveal more details about the Twin Shanks, and till then, fans have been devising multiple theories about who this mysterious character is.

According to a One Piece theory, the Twin Shanks is not Shanks’ real brother but a clone with super soldier strength.

If you are a movie connoisseur who indulges in watching Hollywood classics, then chances are that you have watched Bruce Willis’ films. A name full of diverse films, which perfectly flaunts his acting range, making him the perfect name that bears the title of a ‘Classic Hollywood Movie Star.’

Bruce Willis in Looper. Credits: TriStar Pictures

While everyone knows that Die Hard is the most renowned work of the now-retired actor, there’s another film that has been quite popular to watch. Looper has been one of the fan favorites, which was another Bruce Willisesque action-thriller.

With that said, fans may be surprised to learn that this film was inspired by another popular anime, which has contributed to the film’s success and appeal to a global audience.

Bruce Willis’ 2nd most popular film had an uncanny inspiration behind it

Rian Johnson’s Looper, which hit theaters more than a decade ago,...

Beneath the vibrant art style and engaging narratives of anime and manga lies a darker side: the pervasive over-sexualization of female characters. Among them, the legendary Studio Ghibli co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki strays away from this trope by creating grounded, realistic, and self-reliant female characters. However, Miyazaki is not the only exemplary one, several others have fought against the irritating trope, and one of them is none other than Satoshi Kon.

Satoshi Kon’s Paprika | Credit: Studio Madhouse

The late filmmaker has challenged these conventions with his groundbreaking films, offering complex portrayals of women that transcend harmful stereotypes. Yet, as the anime industry grew, series like One Piece and Bleach amplified the very tropes these visionaries sought to critique, perpetuating fan service that often undermines character depth.

Anime visionaries’ challenging stereotypes with harsh realities

Anime’s treatment of women has long been a point of heated debate, both within and outside the fandom.

Anime fans might recognize legends like Junji Ito or Akira Toriyama as the pioneers in their genres but the mecha anime genre has Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of the Mobile Suit Gundam series and Space Runaway Ideon. He’s a prominent rival of Hayao Miyazaki, often quite candid about his opinions on his works. However, what the anime community has noticed is Tomino tends to stick solely to the mecha genre, rarely steering away from it.

Mobile Suit Gundam. [Credit: Nippon Sunrise]

The director has begrudgingly admitted that his rivalry with Miyazaki has hindered his creativity and any hopes of progress in the industry. Within the mecha genre, he has few rivals that can compete against Mobile Suit Gundam but Tomino gets raw about not having it in him to explore other genres. This sentiment stems from insecurity that is unusual for such a great director but his explanation exposes how much he...

For many years, Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have brought together some of the most beautiful and carefully animated projects for fans and audiences around the world. Each film features a distinct plot and iconic characters that will leave a lasting impression in the minds of the viewers. Even though Miyazaki-Sensei has a collection full of memorable films that include names such as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and so many more.

Marco Pagot, popularly known as Porco Rosso. Credits: Studio Ghibli

However, one name stands above all his masterclass creations. Released in 1992, Porco Rosso quickly rose to fame for taking its viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions; the film was colorful, somber, witty, and a real tearjerker. Nevertheless, choosing a pig to be a hero in the film felt quite odd to the eyes of the viewers, but Miyazaki-Sensei had a genius idea behind it.

Hayao Miyazaki’s...

An essential part of a superhero's identity is their costume. The color scheme and silhouette of a hero's clothes tell you a lot about them. Batman's black costume fades into the shadows as a dark knight's should, whereas Superman's bright blue and red one speaks to "Truth, Justice, and the American Way."

Who's the comic (anti)hero with the tightest bond to their costume? Venom, of course, for his suit (a dark mirror of Spider-Man) is a living being. The "Venom" movie trilogy leaned in on this, becoming a buddy-romantic comedy between Eddie Brock and the eponymous symbiote alien (both played by Tom Hardy). Yet Venom isn't the only one out there with a living, alien costume. The concept also rears its head in Studio Trigger's 2013 action-comedy anime "Kill la Kill."

Trigger is one of the biggest production houses in modern anime; their recent adaptation of Ryoko Kui's...

Studio Ghibli films are marked by many things. From the classic hand-drawn animation, the romanticism of life’s daily occurrences to not-so hidden references to social issues, these are some of the various elements that make Hayao Miyazaki movies distinguishable.

Once anyone watches a Ghibli movie, they can instantly tell who the creator is. But what is it exactly that makes Miyazaki’s movies so distinctive? Since the director himself never answered the question, his son, Goro Miyazaki, filled up for him.

Hayao Miyazaki’s son attempts to unveil what really is a Ghibli film The Wind Rises by Hayao Miyazaki | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Earwig and the Witch is a 2020 Ghibli movie directed by Goro Miyazaki. It is the first Ghibli movie that included 3D CG technique, which as you might realize, is an alarming change. Miyazaki has been vocal against the usage of CGI in anime films, and yet,...

When it comes to Christmas classics, images of snowy landscapes, heartwarming reunions, and festive miracles often come to mind. While Western audiences often treasure films like It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol, the world of anime has its own unsung masterpiece in Satoshi Kon’s Tokyo Godfathers, which was released in 2003.

Tokyo Godfathers | Credit: Studio Madhouse

Set on the premise of Christmas Eve in Tokyo, this film goes beyond conventional holiday storytelling. Unlike the fantastical works of Hayao Miyazaki, which often transport viewers to magical realms, Tokyo Godfathers is grounded in the raw reality of urban life and human struggle. But still, it stands out as an essential Christmas classic; not because of its dazzling animation or whimsical worlds, but due to its deep exploration of family, redemption, and the human spirit.

Tokyo Godfathers: Subverting and reinventing Christmas themes

Set on the theme of Christmas Eve, Tokyo Godfathers...

Check out which streaming services have yule logs themed for your favorite shows here!

Christmas is a time when a roaring fire in the fireplace just elevates the atmosphere to another level. But if you don’t have a fireplace in your living room, a streaming Yule log is essentially the next best thing! You may not get any heat from a streaming Yule log, but you be able to generate some of the holiday warmth that’s so synonymous with the season, and you can also find logs themed after some of your favorite movies and shows! Check out the list of streaming Yule logs available from top services below.

Which streaming services offer Yule logs in 2024?

Disney+

Hulu

Max

Netflix

Paramount+

Peacock

Prime Video

Sling Freestream

Disney+

Disney+ has two Yule log options, both from the “Frozen” universe. The first is the Arendelle Castle Yule Log, which is...

Of all the fights in One Piece anime, Kuzan and Garp’s duel was truly cinematic. It was a spectacular fight with Toei’s brilliant animation and detailing and from flashbacks to foreshadowing, the series laid out key details.

But that is not all considering the plethora of anime that debuted this year. 2024 marked an era of new-age anime especially in the shonen genre.

Kuzan and Garp’s fight in One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

From Dandadan to Solo Leveling, these five series have their iconic action scenes. Through their brilliant animation and action sequences, they easily match up to the iconic duel from One Piece.

1. Frieren and Fern versus Frieren’s clone – Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End wasn’t supposed to be a massive hit in the Shonen genre. This is especially true with the series being a gag manga initially. But most of...

From comfort to conflict, Hayao Miyazaki encapsulated an array of emotions and themes in his movies. His views and ideologies have revolutionized the animation industry in more ways than one. But that is not all, considering the legacy of the Ghibli animator.

Through his portrayal of women in the movies, Miyazaki has reshaped the course of animation and storytelling. And while the studio has bagged accolades, they earned their stripes through arduous efforts. But there might be a bigger problem.

San in a still from Princess Mononoke | Credit: Studio Ghibli

With no one having to lead the Studio, there remains a stalwart who is a true successor to Miyazaki’s legacy. Most fans have relentlessly pointed this out on the Internet in regards to the animator’s work. Surprisingly, it isn’t the esteemed director Makoto Shinkai.

Irrespective of that, Shinkai’s influence on the animation industry and filmmaking shouldn’t be excluded.

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is all the rage with its stellar animation and splendid visuals. It is truly a masterpiece in terms of its storytelling and characterization. But what tops the charts is the voice acting.

Often, we come across voice actors going unhinged during performances and rehearsals. While this is a common phenomenon, this voice actor took it to another level with his bizarre method.

Ichigo Kurosaki in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Aizen’s Va Sho Hayami resorted to an insane method as revealed in an interview. While it may seem a stretch, it makes sense considering his reasons for doing so. Moreover, it ties in well with the character’s mystique along with his moral ambiguity as explored in the sequel.

Bleach Va’s unhinged method for his performance

Between the animation and pacing, Bleach often doesn’t get enough credit when it comes to the voice cast.

Spoiler Alert !!!One Piece chapter 1134 spoilers

Ever since Loki was introduced in One Piece, he has been assumed to be the villain of the Elbaph arc who claims to destroy the entire One Piece world. His actions, be it the killing of King Harald or stealing the royal Devil Fruit, have marked him as the antagonist, but still, he somehow managed to gain the trust of Luffy and has bound him in a secret promise.

Loki’s revelation in One Piece | Credit: Viz Media

This led to fans doubting Luffy’s character until the spoilers of One Piece chapter 1134 hit the internet and cleared up a lot of things. The biggest revelation within this chapter was certainly the appearance of the second Shanks, who has removed all the allegations around the original Shanks’ character. However, that’s not all his appearance has cleared.

According to speculations from One Piece fans,...

In an era when anime’s global appeal is soaring, the thought of Hayao Miyazaki’s potential retirement already sends ripples of uncertainty across the industry. Miyazaki; the creative genius behind Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and many more Studio Ghibli films, has long been regarded as the guardian of meaningful storytelling in anime.

Chihiro from Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

However, one particular element of anime will suffer a great loss if Miyazaki really retires: the depiction of empowered and dynamic female characters. With industry giants like Eiichiro Oda and Tite Kubo embracing narratives filled with battles and often leaning into hypersexualized portrayals of female characters, the absence of Miyazaki’s voice could leave a void in anime that no one is ready to fill.

Hayao Miyazaki’s world: Female portrayal done right

One of Hayao Miyazaki‘s greatest contributions to anime is his portrayal of female protagonists who...

The nominees are in for the 52nd Annual Annie Awards, which celebrates the world of animation across 37 categories. Among the many nominees are Look Back —the adaptation of the one-shot by Chainsaw Man author Tatsuki Fujimoto—and Ultraman: Rising . Look Back was nominated in the Best Feature - Independent category. Ultraman: Rising was nominated for Best Feature, as well as Best FX - Feature, Best Production Design - Feature and Best Editorial - Feature. Last year saw Takeshi Honda win Best Character Animation - Feature for The Boy and the Heron , which also netted a Best Storyboarding - Feature award for Hayao Miyazaki. We'll find out who this year's winners are when the Annie Awards take place on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at UCLA’s Royce Hall in Los Angeles, California. Related: Look Back Anime Film Gets Worldwide Streaming Release on November 7 Kiyotaka Oshiyama ( Flip Flappers ) directs Look Back at Studio Durian.

Nominations voting is from January 8-12, 2025, with official Oscar nominations announced January 17, 2025. Final voting is February 11-18, 2025. And finally, the 97th Oscars telecast will be broadcast on Sunday, March 2 and air live on ABC at 7 p.m. Et/ 4 p.m. Pt. We update our picks through awards season, so keep checking IndieWire for all our 2025 Oscar predictions.

The State of the Race

DreamWorks’ “The Wild Robot” (Universal) has Oscar momentum, thanks to 10 Annie nominations. This follows the four Golden Globe nominations for Best Animated Feature, Best Original Song (“Kiss the Sky”), Best Original Score for Bowers, and Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.

Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” (Disney), which collected seven Annie noms (including Best Feature), is still very much in the Oscar race, as is critics’ favorite “Flow” (Sideshow/Janus Films), which earned three Annie noms. The Latvian film won Best Animated Feature from both the New York Film...

It has been almost 30 years since Toy Story was released back in 1995. The film was Pixar’s first project and the world was simply in love with it. Many things have changed in these past 30 years, including ownership and the culture.

Buzz Lightyear and Woody in 1995’s Toy Story | Pixar Animation Studios

News broke out recently that Disney may have removed a transgender storyline in one of Pixar’s upcoming shows. This created a barrage of transphobic comments from toxic fans which were really uncalled for.

Bob Iger’s Disney has been getting a lot of hate

Disney has been going through a tough time since their films haven’t been doing so well lately. Although there are a few exceptions like Inside Out 2, many of the recently released animated films haven’t been earning well at the global box office lately.

Bob Iger | Credits: nagi usano, licensed under...

This week on The Anime Effect: The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim director Kenji Kamiyama and screenwriter Philippa Boyens discuss the inspiration behind the movie and why anime was the best medium for the story. In our audio-only episode we fill you in on the latest news in the anime world, including the return of Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour, a Godzilla x Marvel collaboration , and more! Episode 45 of The Anime Effect is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! If you're waiting to watch the video episode, it'll be live on Crunchyroll and YouTube at 7 p.m. Et. Listen or Watch on: Episode 45 Summary In this week's audio-only episode, Leah and LeAlec discuss their Crunchyroll Arc results, the potential for a claymation Pokemon project on the way, and an isekai-themed video game announcement, among other updates. Plus, we...

French film companies Rectangle Productions and Goodfellas have completed their merger, the two companies unveiled on Friday.

Rectangle, the production house behind San Sebastian opener Emmanuelle and 2021 Venice festival winner Happening, and Vincent Maraval’s Goodfellas, who have handled international sales on such features as Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning The Boy and The Heron, and Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis, finalized their merger on November 4, 2024. The companies have been collaborating for years, with Goodfellas handling sales on Rectangle productions including Emmanuelle, Valerie Donzelli’s Cannes 2023 film Just the Two of Us, and Charlene Favier’s Oxana, among others.

The merger, the companies said, was “carried out in the interests of all stakeholders” and marked “an important milestone for these long-standing partners.”

Rectangle Productions, under Alice Girard and Edouard Weil, said it will retain its brand, creative independence, attached talent, and all ongoing projects. In a statement, the company said it...

Brian Cox’s portrayal of Helm Hammerhand in The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim can be said to be a perfect casting. Cox brings a certain depth and gravitas to a character whose impact echoes throughout Tolkien’s world.

Helm Hammerhand. Credits: Warner Bros. Animation

As a veteran actor, Brain Cox is known for his commanding performances, and with him playing a ruler this time, he delved straight into the warrior king’s complex persona with much gusto.

In a candid interview with the Anime New Network, Cox shared how his upbringing, experiences, and theatrical background all influenced his portrayal of Helm, making this role personal and close to his heart.

Brain Cox and Helm have similar personas

Cox’s own experiences affected the integration he had with the interiority of the complex yet simple man that is Helm Hammerhand. This helps highlight how his artistic...

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings franchise has been a widespread name across the world, and the franchise has decided to ride on the trend of getting itself an anime adaptation. By collaborating with New Line Cinema studios and bringing together an alluring cast featuring Brian Cox, Luke Pasqualino, Gaia Wise, and many more names, they started working on the anime title the Lotr: The War of the Rohirrim.

The poster for the Lotr: The War of the Rohirrim. Credits: Warner Bros. Animation

Though the idea sounds nice and intriguing, where it features bewitching animation with tons of action, it had a steep drop in the voice acting section. The problem was so grim that Cox, the actor behind the voice of Helm Hammerhead, expressed his dissatisfaction with the subpar quality that hindered the anime adaptation from recreating the success of the live-action films.

Brian Cox voices his...

The creator of the Gundam franchise isn’t afraid to speak openly about the industry, his rivalries, and his feelings about his own work. Yoshiyuki Tomino is considered the father of the “Real Robot” mecha anime genre and the Mobile Suit Gundam series is his legacy in the anime industry.

Despite his accolades and influence, the director is convinced he lacks what it takes to be a true auteur in the anime industry. Tomino has stayed with Sunrise since the 1970s and since he specializes in the mecha genre, he has only stuck with them.

Turn A Gundam by Yoshiyuki Tomino. [Credit: Sunrise]

He consistently compares himself to Hayao Miyazaki and talks about how he would never be able to surpass him. However, he says that no director would be able to do so. Even so, sticking with Sunrise has limited Tomino’s options of which genre he can direct. Beyond the Gundam franchise,...

Every fan was absolutely terrified when it was revealed that Indiana Jones is being adapted to the world of video games, and out of all studios, Bethesda will be the one overseeing the project. But somehow, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has managed to deliver and establish itself as one of the best single-player games of the year.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has made huge waves in the gaming industry. (Image via Bethesda Game Studios)

While it’s an incredible action-adventure title, one of the most common criticisms has been the fact that it’s an entirely first-person experience. Players have been requesting MachineGames to make third-person a reality. However, a new glitch has been posted on social media that might indicate that third-person mode might be coming to the game after all.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle might bring third-person mode soon

A Reddit user...

It had to happen this way, huh? Mufasa: The Lion King got its early reviews and unfortunately (but also expectedly), the reviews were not so great. This… is a wake up call.

Disney has been following the trend of live-action remakes | Credits: Walt Disney Pictures

Hollywood, particularly Disney, has been following a trend for quite a while now where they remake their movies into live-action. As if that wasn’t enough, they also add modern thoughts and theologies into these movies, leaving audiences with a bland mixture of so many unimportant things.

Fans want to dethrone Mufasa: The Lion King

Another day, another Disney live-action film that didn’t live up to its expectations. Although the expectations were indeed low with this one (considering Disney’s love-hate relationship with remakes), the fans were still disappointed.

A still from Mufasa: The Lion King | Credits: Walt Disney Pictures

From the many flares...

The IMDb top-250 is a curious portrait of populist taste. The list is, it's worth remembering, culled only from user ratings on the IMDb website, and, judging by the films on the list, the average IMDb user seems to be a college-age white male with a taste for crime, guns, fantasy, and the ultra-masculine. The top movies on the list all seem to be the types of movies that young men would own posters for, proudly displayed on their dorm room walls. There are many unassailable classics, to be sure, and young teens could easily look to the list as a rudimentary introduction to the world of cinema, but the list seems ... skewed. There's not a lot of variety. It's not curated by a single critic, nor even a panel of critics. It's just a general consensus of the taste of the types of people who like to rate movies on IMDb.

Hayao Miyazaki is a perfectionist through and through, and Studio Ghibli movies are proof of his undeniable nature. And when you are a perfectionist, it is hard to look past the smallest of mistakes. Miyazaki is the same, as he constantly finds things that he hates about his projects.

It is due to his perfectionist nature that Ghibli has produced one international hit after another. But what happens when he is no longer involved in the creative process? Will he be able to accept new changes brought about by new-gen directors? Or will Miyazaki only focus on the things he could have done differently?

Hayao Miyazaki hated a Studio Ghibli movie scene due to its resemblance to Neon Genesis Evangelion Princess Mononoke | Credits: Studio Ghibli

A Reddit post highlights the perfectionist nature of Hayao Miyazaki with a behind-the-scenes shot from the production process of a Ghibli movie. In the post,...

Studio Ghibli is known for its comfortable family movies that romanticize slow life. But the studio is also a forerunner in including revolutionary messages in movies. Hayao Miyazaki has often set Ghibli movies in the background of war-torn countries, and even the most tame, family-friendly films have grave messages behind them.

Disney and Pixar might be the leading animated film producers in the West but Hayao Miyazaki has been ruling over the anime movie market for decades. Two of his films have won the Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature, while others have set records at the Japanese box office.

Studio Ghibli’s movie-making process is devoid of Disney and Pixar’s test screening ritual Princess Mononoke by Hayao Miyazaki | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Pixar and Disney prefer an integrative approach for their films and use audience test screenings to gauge the reaction of the audience. The studios show a randomly...

If you think you know Hayao Miyazaki well, the person behind some of the most mind-blowing anime films such as The Boy and The Heron and Spirited Away, then think again! Beneath his status as a genius filmmaker, he holds strong opinions regarding some Western films for which he absolutely despises them.

A still from the Oscar-winning Hayao Miyazaki film, The Boy and The Heron | Credits: Studio Ghibli

And surprisingly, one of the least-liked franchises includes the famous Indiana Jones series. In a past interview, Miyazaki did not just criticize these Harrison Ford movies but also the fans who love them. Who knew this master anime movie director had such a feisty side?

Not every day you hear a highly acclaimed director trash a beloved franchise like this, but Miyazaki’s candid comments are definitely making us wonder – what exactly made him dislike these movies so much? Here’s what he explained.

2009 marked the 13th Anniversary of the Mobile Suit Gundam series, created by the legendary Yoshiyuki Tomino. The director has shaped the mecha anime genre to lengths he doesn’t even acknowledge and refuses to accept his status as an auteur. For this anniversary, he directed Ring of Gundam, a 5-minute special short film made with CGI, introducing a completely new artistic style to the world of Gundam.

Despite taking up the challenge of a CGI style, Tomino’s preference and loyalty always remain with hand-drawn animation. He’s true to his word as he speaks about this in an interview detailing how CGI was a huge challenge for him as the industry at the time hadn’t evolved beyond Pixar’s animation.

Ring of Gundam by Yoshiyuki Tomino. [Credit: Sunrise]

In Tomino’s classic candid fashion, he also criticized an Imagi Animation Studios film, Astro Boy, that came out in the same year.

Very few filmmakers have been as passionate about their craft as Hayao Miyazaki. Throughout his extended career, he wanted to end his creative venture for good multiple times, only to come back again due to his endless thirst for animated storytelling. However, his decision to retire during the late 1990s marked a significant turning point; although the decision didn’t last long, in exchange it marked the creative inspiration for his timeless masterpiece, Spirited Away.

Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Spirited Away was initially intended by Hayao Miyazaki for 10-year-olds but was lauded by critics and audiences of all ages. It not only became a cultural phenomenon but also shattered box office records in Japan, surpassing James Cameron’s Titanic to become the highest-grossing film in the country at the time.

Spirited Away: A film made out of Hayao Miyazaki’s creative block

In 1999, after pouring all his passion into filmmaking,...

Sein, the gambling and drinking priest introduced in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, is one of the most interesting characters in the series. He left an indelible mark on fans and his party members in the span of just a few episodes. It isn’t just the loss of this character that fans grieve, as the voice actor of Sein is Yuichi Nakamura.

Sein and Frieren | Credit: Madhouse

The iconic Yuichi Nakamura is famous for his role as Gojo Satoru in Jujutsu Kaisen. Sein was a warmth-inducing character who brought humor, understanding, and combat utility to Frieren’s party. In the anime series, there is no reason for him to vanish for a long time on a personal journey to discover himself.

While the premise sounds heart-warming, fans are left confused as to who will fill the void left by this all-rounded character. Moreover, it is unbelievable that Frieren...

It is a known fact that Osamu Tezuka revolutionized the manga industry. From Astro Boy to Metropolis, Tezuka created iconic masterpieces as a stalwart. The legendary mangaka is often referred to as the Godfather of anime.

Apart from his contributions to the manga industry, he influenced the advancements in the animation industry. On the whole, he was a true visionary with strong beliefs. Something that his son wouldn’t quite agree on.

A still from Astro Boy anime | Credit: Tezuka Productions

With AI-generated anime Twins Hinahima’s release, Tezuka’s son Makoto released a contentious statement. This contrasts with technological advancements that cripple the manga industry. It goes against Tezuka’s beliefs as a visionary and pioneer in every sense.

Moreover, his claims about the late mangaka accepting assistance from AI are beyond controversial. The upcoming series reflects utter dependency on technology and has garnered a negative reception from most anime viewers.

Hayao Miyazaki’s adaptation of Howl’s Moving Castle is often celebrated as a masterpiece of animation, weaving together a fantastical world of magic, romance, and anti-war sentiments. However, this Studio Ghibli classic is also one of the most polarizing works in Miyazaki’s oeuvre due to its significant departure from the source material — the 1986 novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones.

Howl and Sophie | Credit: Howl’s Moving Castle

Miyazaki’s version of Howl’s Moving Castle focuses more on romantic aspects and depicts a family-friendly and lighthearted tone, and the characters are portrayed as more straightforward and somewhat dramatic. In contrast, Diana Wynne Jones’s novel paints a much grittier portrait of the characters, especially Howl’s.

The Ghibli touch in Howl’s Moving Castle: A romanticized Howl

Hayao Miyazaki‘s adaptation of Howl’s Moving Castle took significant liberties with the source material, softening Howl’s harsher edges and framing him as a tragic hero.

The anime world might change forever with the announcement of a new project. Twins Hinahima anime was created using 95% AI and is scheduled for a Spring 2025 release. As we go through the information about how this anime was created, the words of Hayao Miyazaki instantly flash in front of us. He would not be happy with how things are changing in the industry.

A still from the teaser trailer for Twins Hinahima anime | Credits: KaKa Creation

This anime could prove revolutionary, which seems to be the goal of the makers as well, but the announcement has attracted a lot of backlash from fans. And, it’s not surprising as the use of AI in creative fields is still quite controversial. So, here’s everything you need to know about the new AI anime and how fans feel about it.

AI anime Twins Hinahima gets announced for Spring 2025 release

With Frontier Works...

The Colors Within doesn’t demand your attention. It’s too small in scope and ultimately fails to follow up on what seems like an interesting premise. Even without living up to its premise, this serves as a unique effort from Japanese anime studio Science Saru (who recently produced the excellent Scott Pilgrim Takes Off for Netflix) because of its lack of stakes and quiet feel.

The Colors Within Review

In this film, directed by Naoko Yamada and based on a script from Reiko Yoshida, we follow shy high schooler Totsuko, who can see people’s auras manifested through color (like a type of synesthesia). She quickly becomes enamored by her cool peer, Kimi, at her all-girls school after falling in love with the colors she emits. Trying to fit in, she accidentally exclaims that she plays the piano, leading her to form a band with Kimi and a music enthusiast,...

George Lucas created the epic space opera franchise Star Wars, which continues to be a pop culture juggernaut even today. Lucas’ original trilogy introduced fans to the menacing villain Darth Vader, whose backstory as a fallen Jedi Knight is explored in the prequels. As a result, the light and dark sides of the Force formed a key plot point of the saga.

George Lucas created the Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader for Star Wars (Credit: Lucasfilm).

Over the years, fans have often dissected the messages at the franchise’s core, especially when Lucas was committed to telling a grand story across the different trilogies. As a result, fans noticed one parallel between Anakin and Darth Vader’s character-defining moments that would make Lucas a visionary if it was premeditated.

George Lucas was a crazy visionary if one Star Wars parallel was premeditated

George Lucas introduced the character of Darth Vader in...

Almost every anime fan at this point might have known about the famous beef between Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli and the controversial Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, as it was one of Hollywood’s most talked-about confrontations. As the story goes, Weinstein, then head of Miramax, demanded extensive edits to Princess Mononoke before agreeing to its American release. In response, a samurai sword reportedly arrived at Miramax’s office with the words “No cuts” etched into a note.

Princess Mononoke | Credit: Studio Ghibli

For years, this bold act has been credited to Hayao Miyazaki himself, enhancing his reputation as an uncompromising auteur. However, in an interview, Miyazaki revealed that the truth behind the sword story is quite different. The act wasn’t his but Toshio Suzuki’s; the producer who has been the backbone of Studio Ghibli’s success for decades.

Studio Ghibli vs. Harvey Weinstein: The famous conflict

The...

Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has delivered some of the most enthralling movies of the past couple of decades. Despite staying away from franchise filmmaking and formulaic blockbusters, Tarantino’s movies have amassed a strong fan following. Moreover, the audience loves the adrenaline-pumping qualities of his film.

Quentin Tarantino is known for his adrenaline-pumping movies (Credit: Club Random | YouTube).

During an interview, Tarantino discussed some of the movies that influenced him in his formative years. The filmmaker admitted to being hugely impacted by one movie starring Raquel Welch and Jim Brown, which he saw in theaters. As a result, Tarantino has never stopped drawing one quality from this 1969 movie, and here is what you need to know about it.

Quentin Tarantino explained how one Raquel Welch and Jim Brown movie inspired him

Quentin Tarantino made his directorial debut with the 1992 crime-drama movie Reservoir Dogs. Since then, the filmmaker has established himself as...

Eiichiro Oda has consistently delivered awe-inspiring storytelling through One Piece over the course of more than 25 years. While his ability to captivate audiences remains unparalleled in the world of manga, his work still receives a fair share of criticism. One of the most debated weaknesses of One Piece lies in his tendency to throw the fans off balance by killing off characters, only to bring them back later.

Saul and Robin | Credit: Toei Animation

Although this attribute of One Piece has both its pros and cons, sometimes the cons outweigh the pros due to the decrease in the emotional weight of the plot as well as the deterioration of the characters’ arcs. So how does this narrative decision exactly affect One Piece and is there a good reason behind this approach of Oda? Let’s find out!

The patterns of “deaths” in One Piece

Over the years, One Piece has...

Hayao Miyazaki’s stories are a wonderland with their enchanting themes and surreal visuals. Be it My Neighbor Totoro or Princess Mononoke, the movies underline the intricacies of humans and their relationship with nature.

But that is not all considering the thought-provoking themes and metaphors the director incorporates in his films. The fantasy is fused with realism which is what makes up for the compelling narrative. Such is the case with this iconic Ghibli movie.

Howl Pendragon in a still from the movie | Credit: Studio Ghibli

With one of the most popular movies from the studio, Miyazaki hired this famous star to represent Japan. Not only was this a smart move but it marked one of the iconic moments in Ghibli’s history.

On top of that, Ghibli’s subtle anti-war stance along with their previous works highlight the diversity and versatility in storytelling. The studio set a benchmark when it comes to Japanese animation.

The competition within Japanese pop culture has never been easy; however, among the few franchises that were actually able to leave any mark on the mass media, one bright name popped up — Mobile Suit Gundam. In fact, it is often referred to as the father of the mecha anime genre.

This was initially started as a mere experiment but eventually turned out to be a cultural phenomenon that captivated audiences around the world, thanks to its intricate storytelling, memorable characters, and iconic mobile suits. However, under all this towering success lies an interesting tale of its creation.

Gundam | Credits: Studio Sunrise

The creator of the series, Yoshiyuki Tomino, had faced an uphill challenge that could easily have made the production of Mobile Suit Gundam go up in smoke. So what was this great concern that made Tomino so worried? How did he succeed in overcoming the obstacle and fulfilling his vision?...

The Star Wars franchise has consistently been a source of innovation and revolution in the sci-fi genre. George Lucas launched the franchise in 1977 with stunning visuals that viewers had never seen before. The film also introduced fans to some unique character designs, including Darth Vader and his mechanical suit.

Darth Vader has one of the coolest armor in Star Wars (Credit: Lucasfilm).

Actor Hayden Christensen later took over the role and donned the iconic Vader suit after playing the character’s Anakin Skywalker persona during the prequels. As a result, the Darth Vader suit has remained relevant and is widely considered one of the best in the franchise. Nonetheless, these five other Star Wars armors also deserve similar recognition.

5. Enfys Nest Enfys Nest is a space pirate introduced in Solo (Credit: Lucasfilm).

Under Disney’s reign, the franchise has largely struggled to have the same impact as George Lucas‘ stories.

UK short film festival Encounters will return in 2025, having cancelled its 2024 edition due to funding challenges.

The Bristol-based event will take place from September 24-28, 2025, for its 30th edition. Veteran festivals and event producer Dave Taylor-Matthews has joined Encounters as executive director.

Originally scheduled for September 27-30, the 2024 edition was cancelled in April this year due to Brexit-fuelled funding issues, with doubt cast over future editions.

Submissions for the 2025 edition will open tomorrow, for live action, animated, documentary or experimental films of under 40 mins in length.

To account for the cancellation of the 2024 edition, films completed on or after...

Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, The War of The Rohirrim movie is turning heads with its stellar visuals and enchanting storyline. It breathes life into J.R. R. Tolkien’s world of fantasy through its exceptional and impeccable animation.

But most of all, the film is a reinvention of storytelling and the common tropes in the adventure and fantasy genre. Like most great artists, Kamiyama took inspiration from a famed Director who supposedly had a beef with Miyazaki.

Hèra in a still from the movie | Credit: Warner Bros

In an interview, he revealed two of his greatest inspirations for the upcoming movie. From incorporating color-coded lights to drums, the film is theatrical in every possible sense. It redefines animation and storytelling in more ways than one.

But his comment on the famed filmmaker recenters to the latter’s controversy regarding Miyazaki. It also ties well with the Ghibli Director’s famous feuds and controversies.

Hayao Miyazaki is a genius in his own right, and that is proved by the popularity of Ghibli movies. He is a one-of-a-kind director and someone irreplaceable in the field of anime films. But what is Ghibli’s future after Miyazaki?

Miyazaki is a cynical man who cannot stand most of the practices in the anime industry. For decades, he has ruled over Ghibli with an iron hand and has refused to retire after several hoaxes. But dissecting his interviews gives rise to an unpopular opinion about him.

Hayao Miyazaki Might Lead to the Downfall of Studio Ghibli with His Controlling Nature

Hayao Miyazaki has announced his retirement quite a few times. He first announced his retirement in 1997 following the release of Princess Mononoke. After the extraordinary success of Spirited Away, the director stated that he could no longer work on feature-length films but returned to direct Ponyo in 2009. He...

Solo Leveling is one of the most acclaimed anime in recent times and has been attracting fans across the world. It was adapted from a Korean web novel and follows the animation style of the webtoons. The Korean story plays out exceptionally with Japanese animation and direction.

Sung Jinwoo Solo Leveling | Credit: A-1 Pictures

Solo Leveling has joined the ranks of anime greatness by winning the first-ever prestigious Best Anime Series Award at the Astra TV Awards. This landmark achievement makes it so that the anime’s glory will never fade. The only anime that came close was Attack on Titan, which led to the creation of this category.

It can be said that following Attack on Titan’s historic win earlier in January 2024 at the Astra Awards, Solo Leveling has earned its place at the table of the greats. The International Animated series awards are usually bagged by Western animations,...

The internationally famous J. R. R. Tolkien franchise, The Lord of the Rings, recently saw its debut in the anime world with The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. It is an anime dark fantasy movie that was released on December 5, 2024, and has earned a decent reception from anime fans from all over the world.

The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim | Credit: Warner Bros. Animation

The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim follows the story of Helm Hammerhand, the king of Rohan, and his battle against the army of Dunlendings. The story is set 183 years before the original The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and puts a special focus on Helm’s family and their struggle against the attack of Dunlendings.

The anime film is directed by Kenji Kamiyama, and it is taken from a Lords of the Ring screenplay that...

The anime adaptation of Solo Leveling has won the Best Anime Series Award in the Astra TV Awards category.

It beat off competition from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Pluto, Ninja Kamui, Blue Eye Samurai, and Scott Pilgrim to the win.

Aleks Le, the English dub voice actor for Sung Jinwoo, accepted the award on behalf of Aniplex, A-1 Pictures, and Crunchyroll during the ceremony held on Dec 8, 2024, at Avalon Hollywood.

A special message from the director Shunsuke Nagashike and producer Sota Furuhashi was also displayed during the event.

For those interested in the world of animation, Hayao Miyazaki is the best subject for a case study. From his resolute nature and unyielding belief in his craft to the critical and commercial success he has garnered over the years, he’s truly an auteur. He has carved out a niche that has become definitive of his personality.

A still from Ponyo | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli’s paths often get entwined with media conglomerate and powerhouse Disney, whether it’s taking the Ghibli films to an international audience or fans drawing comparisons between Pixar and Ghibli. There’s a contrast between how Disney operates and how Miyazaki leads Studio Ghibli. During an interview, this difference became apparent as Miyazaki summed up his inspiration and focus within a simple sentence.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Focus And Inspiration Behind Ghibli Films

Ghibli films are extremely rich with symbolism despite the air of simplicity they exude.