Mononoke Is Getting Two More Movies, so Where Is the First?

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Mononoke Is Getting Two More Movies, so Where Is the First?

Highlights

  • Mononoke Movie: Phantom in the Rain is a captivating anime film awarded for its impressive visuals and narrative prowess.
  • Karakasa examines the sacrifices made by women in a harem, echoing the original series’ focus on societal injustices.
  • An international release for this film trilogy is crucial – an anime masterpiece deserving to be seen on the big screen.
Title Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain
Director Kenji Nakamura
Studio EOTA
Release Date 7/26/2024

As a seasoned gamer and anime enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain (or Karakasa) is an absolute must-watch for any self-respecting anime fan. This film not only honors the legacy of its esteemed predecessor but expands upon it in ways that are both captivating and thought-provoking.

Umbrella”) marks the comeback of one of the most celebrated TV anime series from the 2000s, “Mononoke“, directed by Kenji Nakamura. With its recent release, it has been announced that this highly anticipated film is merely the first installment in a trilogy, making an international distribution all the more vital.

At Montreal during the Fantasia Film Festival on July 20th, the world first screening of the animated film Karakasa took place. This movie won the Satoshi Kon Award for Outstanding Animation a week prior to its launch in Japan. When it debuted, hints in the credits suggested a sequel, and on July 28th, the film’s team officially announced that the second of a trilogy, named “Hinezumi”, would be premiered in Japan on March 14, 2025.

What Is Karakasa About?

Mononoke Is Getting Two More Movies, so Where Is the First?

In a similar vein to its television counterpart, the film titled “Mononoke the Movie” revolves around a mysterious wanderer known as the Medicine Seller, who doubles as an expert exorcist. His mission is to banish malevolent and frequently vengeful entities referred to as “mononoke,” also known as “ayakashi” or more commonly as “yokai.” By understanding a mononoke’s form, essence, and motivation, he can draw his sword of exorcism and bring peace to the tormented spirit.

Title of the initial movie, “Karakasa“, signifies not just a paper umbrella but also a supernatural creature from Japanese mythology known as Karakasa-kozo. The plot revolves around two female characters, Asa and Kame, who enter the Ōoku, a secluded area inhabited by Lord Tenshi’s harem, where men are forbidden. Inside the Ōoku, they discover deep-seated animosities fueled by an otherworldly entity. Fortunately, a Medicine Seller appears to lend aid.

What Critics Have To Say About It

Richard Eisenbeis from Anime News Network awarded the movie an “A,” describing it as “the standout animated film of the year thus far,” with a special mention for its exceptional color scheme. Across various online reviews, compliments on the visuals are abundant, but Eisenbeis took it a step further by suggesting that the movie would still be engaging even if devoid of its animation. This underscores the film’s strong script, where themes of self-expression and conformity are thoughtfully explored.

Matt Schley from The Japan Times offered a slightly more negative review, yet acknowledged that the visuals were still commendable. He expressed concern about the movie’s pace being too rapid, finding it tiring, and felt that the 90-minute runtime was adequate for the main characters but insufficient for developing the supporting cast effectively. Schley compared this quick tempo to the “Fast and Furious” style, and he believed that the music by Taku Iwasaki, while tonally similar to the original series, seemed like its opposite in this film. He rated it 3 out of 5 stars.

Why Karakasa Needs To Get A Wider Release Across Many Countries

Mononoke Is Getting Two More Movies, so Where Is the First?

As a lifelong fan of anime, I can confidently say that this film is a must-watch for any enthusiast. Not only does it boast breathtaking visuals that are worthy of being showcased on as many screens as possible, but its technical qualities and narrative prowess are truly remarkable. In fact, the Satoshi Kon award it received speaks volumes about its quality, given the esteemed reputation of its namesake, one of the medium’s greatest and most influential directors. It comes as no surprise to me that this film has resonated with fans of anime, and I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates thoughtful storytelling and stunning animation.

The Deeper Message Behind Mononoke

“Karakasa” – A Ghost Tale Exploring the Lives of Women in a Harem and the Pieces of Themselves They Surrender

It’s high time for either Crunchyroll or GKIDS to announce a theatrical release for “Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain”, and it should happen soon. With two more movies coming, this anime trilogy could very well be the most stunning since “Kizumonogatari” or “Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel”. In other words, these films are just waiting to shine on the big screen.

Mononoke (2007) is available to stream on Netflix.

Sources: Anime News Network (Link 1)(Link 2), The Japan Times

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2024-08-03 18:04