`Neon Genesis Evangelion Creator’s First Live-Action Film Hits US Theaters`

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Summary

  • GKIDS brings the first US screening of Hideaki Anno’s first commercial live-action film LOVE & POP.
  • Anno’s other “Shin” movies joke about existing in the same universe, leading up to Shin Japan Heroes.
  • Studio Khara acquiring tokusatsu franchises hints at potential remastered works or new productions.

GKIDS is introducing in the U.S. the first commercially produced live-action film helmed by the director of “Neon Genesis Evangelion“, Hideaki Anno!

Following its acquisition by Toho, it appears that GKIDS is increasingly focusing on funding the distribution of lesser-known content in U.S. cinemas – such as its part in showcasing the prequel film for the latest Gundam series, which might be due to its strong ties with the Japanese distributor.

The company shared on social platforms that it plans to show the film “LOVE & POP” (originally released in 1998) in North American cinemas – the premiere date is set for February 21, 2025. This marks the first commercial live-action movie directed by Anno.

The narrative is based on Ryu Murakami’s novel “Love and Pop: Topaz II” and focuses on Hiromi, portrayed by Asumi Miwa, a high school student who ventures into the realm of compensated dating, a concept that resembles sugar dating. In the 1990s Japanese media, this practice, known as enjo kosai, was under intense discussion and is generally viewed negatively, often considered a form of prostitution, although it may not always involve sexual services.

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

Love & Pop” had been announced as a part of the 2024 Fantasia Film Festival’s schedule, and it seems that this film was previously accessible on MUBI.

Other Live-Action Movies By Hideaki Anno

The “Shin” Movies and the Rare Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Short

It’s common knowledge that Hideaki Anno has been a long-time fan of tokusatsu, and also appreciates shows like Thunderbirds, which influenced the creation of tokusatsu series. His renown with Evangelion enabled him to work on several projects for established tokusatsu brands. The films most significant to fans are often referred to as the “Shin” series.

In these films, Anno contributed his work to separate and unconnected series. However, because they all bear the common prefix “Shin” (as seen in titles like Shin Kamen Rider, Shin Godzilla, and Shin Ultraman), enthusiasts humorously regard them as belonging to a universe that Anno has crafted.

Originally intended as a jest, Hideaki Anno eventually turned it into reality by establishing what’s now known as the “Shin Universe” with his “Shin” films such as the “Rebuild of Evangelion” (translated from Shin Evangelion): “Shin Japan Heroes,” a collaborative effort between Khara, Toei, Tsuburaya, and Toho spearheaded by Anno. This collaboration includes popular franchises like “Evangelion,” “Kamen Rider,” “Ultraman,” and “Godzilla.” The “Shin” movies are brought together under this umbrella title.

Few people are familiar with his 2012 creation, titled “Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo” or “Kyoshinhei Tokyo ni Arawaru“, written and directed by Shinji Higuchi. This is a brief live-action film that functions as a precursor to Hayao Miyazaki’s 1984 masterpiece “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind“. Remarkably, this was one of the rare instances, or possibly the only time, that Miyazaki permitted someone to produce a live-action film based on his work.

Studio Khara, led by its president Anno, has recently taken ownership of tokusatsu franchises previously produced by P-Productions. These include popular 1960s and 1970s series such as Ambassador Magma, Spectreman, and Fuu-Lion Maru. The studio’s plans for these properties remain undisclosed, with possibilities ranging from reissuing remastered versions to developing new productions inspired by them.

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2025-02-05 22:17