Great news for anime film fans: Makoto Shinkai’s anime blockbuster Your Name ( Kimi no na wa) is hitting theatres in North America in April 7. Your Name will be released in both English-language dub as well as its original Japanese-language (with English subtitles).
Your Name has broken a number of records, becoming the fourth highest-grossing film of all time (not just animated!) in Japan. Only Spirited Away, Titanic and Frozen have made more money at the Japanese box office.
In terms of animated films released in Japan, Your Name currently ranks as the second highest-grossing anime film, climbing over such legends as Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle and Ponyo .
"It's truly a joy to be part of a film like Your Name that has surprised everyone's expectations and quickly captivated the hearts and attention of audiences and films critics alike," said Gen Fukunaga, founder and CEO of Funimation, in a press release. "I have always believed that a touching and beautifully told story can mesmerize mainstream audiences regardless of a film's genre. Your Name is the perfect example of this and will be one that journalists will point to for years to come."
"We're thrilled to be bringing 'Your Name.' to theaters across North America and Canada this spring," added Mike Duboise, Funimation COO. "Based on audience reaction around the world and a week's worth of sold out screenings during the film's Oscar qualifying run last December, we expect Your Name to be a hit with North American theatergoers this April."
The film’s plot is as follows (via Funimation):
“High schoolers Mitsuha and Taki are complete strangers living separate lives. But one night, they suddenly switch places. Mitsuha wakes up in Taki’s body, and he in hers. This bizarre occurrence continues to happen randomly, and the two must adjust their lives around each other. Yet, somehow, it works. They build a connection and communicate by leaving notes, messages, and more importantly, an imprint.
“When a dazzling comet lights up the night’s sky, it dawns on them. They want something more from this connection—a chance to meet, an opportunity to truly know each other. Tugging at the string of fate, they try to find a way to each other. But distance isn’t the only thing keeping them apart. Is their bond strong enough to face the cruel irony of time? Or is their meeting nothing more than a wish upon the stars?”
Your Name was selected by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association as Best Animated Feature of 2016. The film is also on the official consideration list for a Best Animated Feature Oscar nod.
The final nominations for the 89th Annual Academy Awards will be announced on Jan. 24. While my fingers are crossed for that Oscar nod, I can’t wait to see the DVD/Blu-Ray release of this phenomenon of a film. Will you be seeing Your Name in theatres? Feel free to let us know in the comments section below.
