Saturday, September 22, 2012

Two Films by Makoto Shinkai: Anime Screenings at The Japan Foundation, Toronto

We at the Canada-Japan Society are pleased to advise that The Japan Foundation, Toronto is presenting two films by one of the leading talents in contemporary animation, Makoto Shinkai, known for his stunning visuals and thoughtful writing.

Of his debut feature, The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004) (see image below), Jeff Shannon of the Seattle Times wrote, "[this film] is also the best proof yet that anime cannot be dismissed as kid stuff. In theme, design and emotional depth, it's entirely worth of serious consideration, embracing but also transcending the fantastical spectacle that defines most of the genre's sci-fi and fantasy milestones."

5 Centimetres per Second (2006) (see image above) earned rich praise from Variety Magaine, who called it "an exquisite, light-drenched tone poem [that] ... vividly capture[s] the lost promise of youth."

Please see below for showtimes and location. Admission is free. Please note that RSVP's are required. (See below for a link to RSVP.)  Thank you!

5 Centimetres per Second (Monday, Sept. 24 and Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7pm)
The Place Promised in Our Early Days (Thursday, Sept. 27 and Monday, Oct 1 at 7pm)
Location: The Japan Foundation, Toronto
131 Bloor St. West, 2nd floor of the Colonnade Building
Admission: FREE
RSVP Required: http://www.jftor.org/whatson/rsvp.php
Language: Japanese with English subtitles