GKIDS has announced that it has acquired the North American distribution rights to the complete film catalog of award-winning director Mamoru Hosoda. Hosoda is internationally renowned for his critically acclaimed animated feature films such as "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" and "Wolf Children".
GKIDS had previously released the Academy Award- and Golden Globe-nominated "Mirai" (2018) and the critically lauded "Belle" (2021), which became Hosoda's highest-grossing film to date in North America. Both films had their respective world premieres at the Cannes Film Festival.
Mamoru Hosoda's six features have all been nominated for, and five have been awarded, the Japan Academy Prize for "Animation of the Year". He is the only Japanese animation director outside Studio Ghibli to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
"Summer Wars" and "Wolf Children" will enter GKIDS' catalog immediately, while "The Boy and the Beast" and "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" will enter the catalog next year.
With this deal, GKIDS aims to expand the reach and further the brand of Studio Chizu and director Hosoda by bringing these titles to the North American audience in renewed ways. The films will receive new theatrical and home entertainment releases, highlighting Mamoru Hosoda's unique artistry, with further details forthcoming.
"One of GKIDS' earliest distribution projects was the theatrical release of Summer Wars when Mamoru Hosoda had already cemented his position as one of the most exciting animation directors," said GKIDS' President David Jesteadt. "We were honored to deepen our relationship with the release of his two latest films, Mirai and Belle, and are excited to now be able to showcase the full breadth of Hosoda's ambitious storytelling across his film catalog, featuring some of the most acclaimed and successful Japanese animated films of all time."
About "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time"
"The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" is a Japanese animated science fiction romance film directed by Mamoru Hosoda and released in 2006. The story is based on a 1967 novel of the same name by Yasutaka Tsutsui, but it is not a direct adaptation; instead, it is a continuation of the story.
The film follows the adventures of a high school girl named Makoto Konno, who discovers that she has the ability to leap through time after a near accident at a train crossing. Initially, she uses her power for trivial purposes, such as avoiding being late, taking tests, and prolonging moments of leisure. However, as the story progresses, Makoto learns that her actions have unforeseen consequences that affect the lives of others around her. She realizes that altering the past can lead to complicated outcomes in the present.
As Makoto struggles to control her powers and rectify the problems her time-leaping has caused, she learns valuable lessons about time, life, and the nature of her relationships with her friends, particularly with her two closest male friends, Chiaki and Kousuke.
The animation style is fluid and expressive, typical of works produced by Madhouse, the studio behind the film. The narrative explores themes of youth, friendship, the passage of time, and the impact of one's actions on the lives of others. "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" received critical acclaim for its engaging story, character development, and its thoughtful exploration of the consequences of time travel.
About "Summer Wars"
"Summer Wars" is a 2009 Japanese animated science fiction film directed by Mamoru Hosoda and produced by Madhouse. The story follows Kenji Koiso, a timid eleventh-grade math genius, who is taken to Ueda by his senior at school, Natsuki Shinohara, to celebrate her great-grandmother's 90th birthday. Unbeknownst to Kenji, he is introduced as Natsuki's fiancé and becomes entangled in a web of family drama.
The plot thickens when Kenji receives a mysterious math problem on his cell phone, which he solves. He unwittingly aids a malevolent artificial intelligence named Love Machine in causing widespread chaos in the virtual world of OZ. OZ is a massive digital space that has become integral to the functioning of everyday life, controlling everything from traffic systems to water supply networks.
As Love Machine wreaks havoc, causing catastrophic failures in the real world, Kenji, Natsuki, her extensive family, and eventually the entire global community must band together to stop the AI and restore order. The film blends traditional family values with themes of digital age dilemmas, highlighting the contrast between rural family life and the global impact of the internet.
"Summer Wars" is notable for its vibrant animation, complex characters, and the blending of traditional and futuristic elements. It has been well-received by audiences and critics alike for its imaginative storytelling, character development, and how it addresses technology integration in everyday life.
About "Wolf Children"
"Wolf Children" is a Japanese animated film directed by Mamoru Hosoda and produced by Madhouse. The film tells the story of Hana, a young woman who falls in love with a "wolf man" and raises their two children, Ame and Yuki, alone after his death. The children inherit their father's ability to transform into wolves and must learn to navigate both the human and wolf worlds.
As the family faces numerous challenges, including discrimination and social isolation, they learn to embrace their unique identities and find their place in the world. "Wolf Children" is a heartfelt exploration of motherhood, family, and the struggles of growing up.
The film features stunning animation and a moving soundtrack, earning praise for its emotional depth, intricate character development, and its uplifting story of resilience and acceptance.
About "The Boy and the Beast"
"The Boy and the Beast" is a Japanese animated fantasy film that was directed by Mamoru Hosoda and released in 2015. The story revolves around a young boy named Ren, who gets lost in the streets of Tokyo and finds himself in a fantastical world of beasts. There, he's taken in by Kumatetsu, a gruff, bear-like warrior who is competing to become the next lord of the realm.
The film explores themes of family, identity, and belonging, as Ren (who is also called Kyuta) develops a deep bond with Kumatetsu, despite their differences and frequent arguments. The story follows Kyuta's growth and struggles as he trains under Kumatetsu, while also coping with his emotional turmoil and the challenges of merging two different worlds.
"The Boy and the Beast" received praise for its rich animation, dynamic character development, and the imaginative world created by Hosoda. The film successfully combines action, humor, and heartwarming moments, making it an engaging experience for a broad audience. It was a critical and commercial success, further establishing Mamoru Hosoda as a leading figure in the anime industry.