The world of animation is about to be graced by a special project: Ghost Cat Anzu. This upcoming film boasts a unique pedigree, being a collaborative effort between a powerhouse Japanese studio and a rising French animation house.
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East Meets West: Which are the Two Studios Collaborating?Â
Ghost Cat Anzu is a co-production between Shin-Ei Animation, the legendary Japanese studio behind Doraemon and Crayon Shin-chan, and Miyu Production, a French animation house known for works like Chicken for Linda! and Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman. This collaboration brings together the experience of a seasoned animation giant with the fresh perspective of a rising European studio.
The film’s international reach is further solidified by GKIDS acquiring North American distribution rights and Japanese exhibitor Toho jumping on board. Charades, a prominent international sales company, is handling global sales. This level of international backing suggests high hopes for the film’s global appeal.
Ghost Cat Anzu Plot Summary and PreviewÂ
Ghost Cat Anzu is a drama-fantasy film aimed at young adults and families. The story revolves around Karin, an 11-year-old girl sent to live with her grandfather in a rural town. Thrust into an unfamiliar environment, Karin finds an unexpected companion – Anzu, a giant orange ghost cat with a surprising knack for everyday tasks.
The synopsis hints at a blossoming friendship between the unlikely pair. However, the trailer also suggests emotional challenges they might face as their relationship deepens. Will Anzu prove to be the caretaker Karin needs during this time of transition?
Ghost Cat Anzu Teaser Trailer Breakdown
The recently released teaser provides a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Ghost Cat Anzu. It opens with a live-action segment showcasing the recording of voice actor Mirai Moriyama. This transitions seamlessly into the animated world, where we meet Anzu stepping off his scooter in front of a surprised Karin.
The trailer offers snippets of their adventures – traveling through picturesque Japanese landscapes and enjoying their newfound companionship. It concludes with Anzu cleaning a temple, hinting at his potential role in Karin’s grandfather’s life.
The Charm of the Special – Rotoscope Animation
The film will be 90 minutes long and utilize a unique blend of 2D digital animation and rotoscope, a technique where animated characters are traced over live-action footage. This approach, seen in anime like The God of High School, promises a visually captivating experience.
Adding another layer of intrigue, the same actors who were filmed for the rotoscope process will also be voicing the characters. This includes Mirai Moriyama, known for his roles in Inu-oh and Shin Kamen Rider, as Anzu, and Noa Goto (Saitama Host Club, Sister) as Karin.
The Cast Behind the Main Characters
Based on the manga by Takashi Imashiro, Ghost Cat Anzu brings together a team with a strong artistic pedigree. Yoko Kuno, a Shin-Ei animation artist, has worked on various projects like Crayon Shin-chan movies, Penguin Highway, and The Murder Case of Hana & Alice. Her experience will be complemented by the live-action directing expertise of Nobuhiro Yamashita, known for films like Linda Linda Linda and The Matsugane Potshot Affair.
A Collaboration Worth Watching
Ghost Cat Anzu is shaping up to be a unique and heartwarming film. In what feels like a “baguette meets sushi within Doraemon’s world”, this anime holds the potential to be something different. With its 2024 release date approaching, audiences around the world can eagerly await the arrival of this purrfectly unique tale.