The Greatest Anime Movie of 1999 Returns to Theaters For Two Nights Only

by

Released in Japan 27 years ago, Adolescence of Utena is a highly acclaimed anime movie considered a landmark achievement in the industry. It’s both a fresh take on and a continuation of the beloved Revolutionary Girl Utena anime. The movie expands on the original’s ideas and symbolism, creating a complex and visually stunning story with exceptional art and animation.

If you’re a fan of anime or appreciate film as an art form, Adolescence of Utena is essential viewing. The movie thoughtfully explores themes of gender and identity, blending these complex ideas with stunning visuals, exciting action, and a truly memorable love story. This summer, GKIDS is bringing Adolescence of Utena to US movie theaters for the first time, giving fans a chance to experience it on the big screen.

Adolescence of Utena Officially Returns to Theaters This June

GKIDS will bring the classic anime film Adolescence of Utena to US theaters for two nights only, June 21st and 22nd. The film will be shown with its original Japanese audio and English subtitles. GKIDS describes the movie as…

Utena enters the elite Ohtori Academy determined to become a prince, and quickly finds herself caught up in a secret world where students duel for the ‘Rose Bride’ – a role held by the captivating and mysterious Anthy. As Utena battles strong opponents, she tries to understand the secrets surrounding Anthy and her own motivations. Their growing connection fuels a shared desire for freedom, ultimately leading them to seek a complete upheaval of the established order.

Often considered a classic of its kind, Adolescence of Utena is a unique film created by a team of talented artists. Director Kunihiko Ikuhara (known for Revolutionary Girl Utena and Sailor Moon), writer Yoji Enokido (Evangelion), and art director Shichiro Kobayashi (Angel’s Egg) joined forces, with a stunning soundtrack by J.A. Seazer. The film blends elements of fairytale and opera to create a powerful story about breaking free from the expectations and limitations society places on us.

Tickets for Adolescence of Utena are now available for purchase on the official GKIDS website.

Adolescence of Utena is to Revolutionary Girl Utena What End of Evangelion is to Neon Genesis Evangelion

Although Adolescence of Utena can be enjoyed on its own – it essentially retells the story of the Revolutionary Girl Utena anime – viewers unfamiliar with the original series might find its symbolism and structure confusing. Like The End of Evangelion, this movie functions as a concluding chapter to the anime, bringing together its central themes, ideas, and character arcs.

Many fans believe Adolescence of Utena isn’t a separate timeline, but a continuation of the Revolutionary Girl Utena anime, taking place in a new cycle of the same world. The movie offers evidence to support this idea, as Adolescence of Utena continues the themes established in the original series and includes visual cues suggesting the earlier events actually occurred.

Understanding Anthy’s role in the movie is easier if you’ve already seen Revolutionary Girl Utena. In a way, Adolescence of Utena was a precursor to Rebuild of Evangelion: it presents itself as a fresh story, but it offers a much deeper experience for fans of the original series, with layers of symbolism and hidden meaning. At only 39 episodes, Revolutionary Girl Utena is a manageable watch, allowing anime enthusiasts to fully appreciate the movie when Adolescence of Utena becomes available on June 21st and 22nd.

Read More

2026-05-28 20:34