Critically acclaimed animated feature Suzume has had its forthcoming home release details revealed. The film, from auteur filmmaker Makoto Shinkai, will be released by Crunchyroll on 1st Aoril.
The film had its international premiere in February 2023 at the Berlin International FIlm Festival (“Berlinale”), marking the first time that an anime feature film screened in the coveted competition section in over two decades.
The film was met with critical acclaim and went on to gross over $300 million worldwide during its initial theatrical run, making it the fourth highest-grossing anime film of all time. The film also earned a 96% critics score and 98% audience score on RottenTomatoes.com making it “Certified Fresh.”
Suzume has recently been nominated for the World Soundtrack Awards “Discovery of the Year” and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards “Best Animated Feature Film,” and last week, a Golden Globe nomination for Best Animated Feature. The film was also awarded Outstanding Achievement in Music at the 46th Japan Academy Awards.
Here’s a synopsis:
“Suzume” is a coming-of-age story for the 17-year-old protagonist, Suzume, set in various disaster-stricken locations across Japan, where she must close the doors causing devastation.
Suzume’s journey begins in a quiet town in Kyushu (located in southwestern Japan) when she encounters a young man who tells her, “I’m looking for a door.” What Suzume finds is a single weathered door standing upright in the midst of ruins as though it was shielded from whatever catastrophe struck. Seemingly drawn by its power, Suzume reaches for the knob… Doors begin to open one after another all across Japan, unleashing destruction upon any who are near. Suzume must close these portals to prevent further disaster.
—The stars, then sunset, and the morning sky.
Within that realm, it was as though all time had melted together in the sky…
Never-before-seen scenery, encounters and farewells… A myriad of challenges await her on her journey. Despite all the obstacles in her way, Suzume’s adventure shines a ray of hope upon our own struggles against the toughest roads of anxiety and constraints that make up everyday life. This story of closing doors that connect our past to the present and future will leave a lasting impression upon all of our hearts.
Drawn in by these mysterious doors, Suzume’s journey is about to begin.
The film will be available on DVD, Blu-ray, Steelbook and a limited edition.
More as it fires our way.
