The school romance series and the supernatural-themed film stand out with their elegant visuals
Netflix has released posters and trailers for two highly anticipated anime productions: the series “Blue Box” (Ao no Hako) and the film “Mononoke: Ghost in the Rain” (Gekijōban Mononoke: Karakasa). While “Blue Box” explores romance and competition in the school environment, “Mononoke” transports audiences into a supernatural plot, marked by mysteries and dark rivalries.
Romance and sport in the “Blue Box”
Adaptation of the work of mangaka Kōji Miura, “Blue Box” is produced by the Telecom Animation Film studio, known for series such as “Don’t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro” and “Astro Note”. The plot follows Taiki Inomata, a young member of the badminton team at Eimei Junior and Senior High Academy, who has feelings for basketball player Chinatsu Kano. Despite being a good player, Taiki’s popularity doesn’t compare to that of Chinatsu, the rising star of the basketball team. However, he intends to take risks.
The director of the series is Yūichirō Yano (“Lupin the Third: Part 5”), the screenplays are by Yūko Kakihara (“Cells at Work!”) and the beautiful character designs are drawn by Miho Tanino (who had already attracted attention in “Tower of God”).
Initially released as a “one-shot” in 2020, “Blue Box” has become a regular series in Weekly Shonen Jump since April 2021 and currently has 16 volumes. The 17th volume will be released in Japan in October 2024. In Brazil the manga is published by Editora JBC. The series premiere on Netflix is scheduled for October 3.
Supernatural and intrigue in “Mononoke: Ghost in the Rain”
The feature film “Mononoke: The Ghost in the Rain” is the first of a trilogy produced by EOTA (“Vinland Saga”) and serves as a spin-off/continuation of the classic series “Mononoke”, launched by TOEI Animation in 2007. The film is set in Ooku, Lord Tenshi’s harem, where two young women, Asa and Roshi, begin their work as maids and soon come across hidden intrigues and plots. At the same time, the pharmacist Kusuriuri, a central character in the “Mononoke” series, infiltrates Ooku when a supernatural threat arises.
The character Kusuriuri was introduced in the “Bakeneko” story arc of the original “Mononoke” series, where she investigates the mysterious death of a young woman linked to a samurai family. The screenplay and direction are by Kenji Nakamura, who directed the original series.
Netflix has not yet announced the release date of the film, which has a very colorful psychedelic look and has already been awarded this year at the Fantasia Film Festival in Canada.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
