Anime Limited Announce The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes and The First Slam Dunk
Anime Limited have a reputation for bringing anime features to the big screen across the UK and Ireland. And that's set to continue well into 2023 with the announcement of two new movies coming to cinemas.
The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes comes from director Tomohisa Taguchi. Featuring a mysterious tunnel, a time travel adventure and teen romance, the film is described as "a unique and emotionally riveting animated experience that promises to delight audiences."
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Mei Hachimoku, which was the winner of the 13th Shogakukan Light Novel Award. Animation was produced at Studio CLAP, their second feature following Pompo The Cinephile, and written and directed by Tomohisa Taguchi (Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War). Music is by Harumi Fuuki (The Deer King).
The movie has performed well on the international festival circuit, taking home prizes at the Buncheon International Animation Festival 2022 and screening in competition at The Tokyo International Film Festival and Scotland Loves Anime.
Anime Limited describe the plot:
One summer morning before school, Kaoru hears an unsettling rumour – of a mysterious tunnel that can grant any wish to those who enter it, but ages them dramatically in exchange. At first, he writes it off as nothing more than an urban legend, but that very night, he happens upon the same passage: the Urashima Tunnel. As he stands before its gaping maw, a thought occurs to him: if this tunnel truly does have the power to grant any wish, could he use it to bring his younger sister back from her untimely death five years prior?
One summer morning before school, Kaoru hears an unsettling rumour – of a mysterious tunnel that can grant any wish to those who enter it, but ages them dramatically in exchange. At first, he writes it off as nothing more than an urban legend, but that very night, he happens upon the same passage: the Urashima Tunnel. As he stands before its gaping maw, a thought occurs to him: if this tunnel truly does have the power to grant any wish, could he use it to bring his younger sister back from her untimely death five years prior?
Anime Limited will release The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes in cinemas in the UK, Ireland and Malta. The exact release date is to be announced.
The distributor has also announced that they are partnering with Toei Animation Europe to bring The First Slam Dunk to cinemas in the UK, Ireland and Malta. The film is written and directed by Takehiko Inoue, author of the original manga.
The film follows the underdog Shohoku High School Basketball team, through the eyes of point-guard Ryota Miyagi as they face stiff competition from rivals in the National High School Tournament. The First Slam Dunk is designed to be enjoyed by newcomers and hardcore Slam Dunk fans alike.
Serialised in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1990- 1996, Inoue's manga was one of the most successful sports manga of all time, with over 170 million copies in print.
Produced by Toei Animation, the film is made using a hybrid animation style that combines 2D animated art with 3D CG. Reportedly, it is used to bring to life exhilarating basketball sequences, while simultaneously exploring the lives of its teenage protagonists.
The First Slam Dunk took home the prestigious award for Animation Of The Year at the Japan Academy Prizes, as well as the Okawa-Fukiya Award at the Niigata International Animation Film Festival. The film is also the highest grossing anime film of all time in South Korea.
The release date is to be announced.
Ryota Miyagi and basketball have always been one thing. His love for this sport was transmitted to him by his older brother Sota, who died in an accident at sea when Ryota was still very young. He is the point guard of Shohoku, a team from the Kanagawa prefecture which gained a spot at Inter-High despite being unknown. Ryota is ready, together with his teammates, to face the “unbeatable” Sannoh, the champion team of the local tournament.
