Studio Ponoc’s highly anticipated anime film, The Imaginary, is set to premiere in Japan on December 15th. The film, which was originally scheduled to debut last summer, was delayed due to production challenges and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of this adaptation of A.F. Harrold’s 2014 children’s novel.
The Imaginary tells the story of a young girl named Amanda and her imaginary friend, Rudger. Their friendship is threatened when Rudger catches the attention of Mr. Bunting, a rumored imaginary hunter. Fearing for his life, Rudger decides to flee, leaving Amanda unsure if he can survive without her. The film explores themes of friendship, imagination, and the power of belief.
The film is directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, a former key animator at Studio Ghibli known for his work on iconic films such as Spirited Away and Grave of the Fireflies. Momose previously directed the spinoff film Ni No Kuni, based on the popular video game franchise. The Imaginary is produced by Yoshiaki Nishimura, the founder of Studio Ponoc and a former lead film producer at Studio Ghibli.
Studio Ponoc gained recognition with their 2017 fantasy film, Mary and the Witch’s Flower, which was adapted from Mary Stewart’s novel, The Little Broomstick. The story follows a young girl named Mary who is transported to a magical world after discovering a magical flower on an old broomstick. The film received positive reviews and was praised for its stunning animation.
The Imaginary has been highly anticipated by fans of Studio Ponoc and anime enthusiasts alike. Its release has been eagerly awaited since the first official teaser was revealed last year. Despite the delays and challenges faced during production, the film is expected to showcase the same level of creativity and storytelling that Studio Ponoc is known for.
As the release date approaches, fans are excited to see how The Imaginary brings Harrold’s beloved novel to life on the big screen. With its imaginative narrative and the talent behind Studio Ponoc, the film promises to be a captivating and heartfelt experience for audiences of all ages. The wait is finally coming to an end, and The Imaginary is ready to captivate viewers with its magical tale of friendship and adventure.
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