Geek of Oz

Screening as a double bill with Ghost in the Shell: Arise is Makoto Shinkai's utterly delightful The Garden of Words. Weighing in at a very lean 46 minutes, The Garden of Words packs a real punch in a tiny package. One day when on his way to school budding shoe designer, 15 year old Takao Akizuki, makes an executive decision. He decides to skip school each and every rainy day to sketch designs and soak in the scenery of one of Tokyo's most beautiful parks, Shinjuku Gyoen. During his first visits he encounters Yukari Yukino, a beautiful business woman who sits, wordless, drinking beer and eating chocolate. The Garden of Words is their story.

Although Ghost in the Shell: Arise isn't actually a film, it sure is a welcome addition to Madman's line up at this year's REEL ANIME film festival. Part 1 of a 4 part OVA series, Ghost in the Shell: Arise is a prequel of sorts, if not a re-imagining. Beginning before Motoko Kusanagi joined Section 9, in fact before Section 9's inception, Arise is a fresh take on the much loved franchise which is all based upon Masamune Shirow's legendary manga series. The original Ghost in the Shell film served as many peoples introduction to anime. It was a time of transition during which those of us who grew up watching Yamato, Robotech and Captain Harlock suddenly had our horizons opened with the release of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Ghost in the Shell and  *ahem* Urotsukidoji. One of the most enduring of the bunch has been Ghost in the Shell and this, a proper introductory release, is a welcome addition to the already well established New Port City.

One of the two stand out films in terms of emotional resonance, A Letter to Momo is a heartwarming story of love, loss and friendship all seen through the innocent eyes of 11 year old Momo Miyaura. Suffering from the recent loss of her father, Momo and her mother move from the bustling heart of Tokyo to the tiny yet idyllic island of Shio. Through a series of inexplicable events, Momo winds up embarking on a journey with Iwa, Kame and Mame, three mischievous yokai. This journey will not only see Momo grow as a young lady but also give her closure of the untimely and heartrending death of her father.

There's not all that much to be said about the latest Evangelion film to hit Australian shores apart from "wow". Reviews are generally written in order to influence the audiences decision making as to whether or not a film is worth their time and money. Realistically, Evangelion already has such a gigantic and rabid fan base that will flock to cinemas regardless of what the reviews say but, hey, it's worth a look. Be forewarned, not much can be said about this film without a certain amount of spoilers, however, they will be kept to a minimum.

The penultimate REEL ANIME ANNOUNCEMENT has dropped and it's a biggie.  It's hard to believe that this is only Hiroyuki Okiura's second feature behind his first outing, the groundbreaking Jin-Roh. Further to this, Madman have announced that the second Berserk film will get a very limited cinema release. So, with such massive titles announced, what could they possibly have left up their sleeves?

Released in Japan in October 2012, 009 Re:Cyborg has just been announced as the second title to hit the big screen at Madman's REEL ANIME festival. The film is based on the 1960's manga series by Shotaro Ishinomori, who is also credited as being one of the godfathers of the tokusatsu genre after creating Himitsu Sentai Gorenger. 009 Re:Cyborg is directed by Kenji Kamiyama, long time Production I.G collaborator and director of the fantastic Eden of the East . Also involved in the project in composer Kenji Kawai who has worked on far too many  brilliant works to mention. Hopefully Madman will release further details once they're back from pleasing fans up at Gold Coast Supanova and we'll keep you up to date should an official press release be circulated.

Madman are bucking the trend this year by holding their biennial anime film festival only 1 year after the last! Are we complaining? No. And neither should you. Last year saw the release of From Up on Poppy Hill , Children Who Chase Lost Voices , Wolf Children and Berserk: The Egg of the King . This years line up is looking to be a MASSIVE one with the first announcement knocking everyone's socks off.  Check out the full press release after the jump!

Full of nostalgia and Studio Ghibli's trademark charm, From Up on Poppy Hill is a look back to a simpler time.  Having left audiences delighted during Madman's REEL ANIME festival, From Up on Poppy Hill is back and screening with a full US voice over. This is the perfect opportunity for younger audiences to enjoy what us grown ups have already had the chance to. Utterly beautiful, From Up on Poppy Hill is a standout choice for school holiday viewing!

While we lucky Aussies have managed to catch Reel Anime 2012 (we all did, right?), our friends across the ditch are yet to revel in the glory! Well, in just under a month anime fans in New Zealand get their chance. Check out all the details after the jump and check out our reviews by clicking on the films title!

When Madman first announced the line up for REEL ANIME at Sydney Supanova, I remember watching the trailers for each movie and being most impressed with Wolf Children. A reasonably basic, albeit fantastic storyline made me feel as though this could be a simple delight. I could not have been more wrong. "When Hana falls in love, it feels like a fairy tale. She starts a family and produces two beautiful children – Yuki (Snow), a girl, and Ame (Rain), a boy. But the family harbours a secret – their father is a 'Wolf-Man', half human and half wolf, and has passed his affliction on to his children. The family try to reside discreetly in a quiet corner of the city, but their joyful life is shattered when their father passes away. To live peacefully, Hana must make the difficult decision to move Yuki and Ame to a small town and surround them with nature."

Based upon the manga series by Kentaro Miura, Berserk: The Egg of the King is the first of three films which retell the original 1990 manga series and 1997 anime series . Much like REEL ANIME alumni Rebuild of Evangelion, Berserk compresses the anime series into a series of films that often mirror sequences from the TV series frame to frame.  "An epic action-adventure tale set against a dark, European-inspired medieval fantasy world, Berserk - The Egg of the King follows the story of Guts, a lone mercenary renowned for his ferocity and unmatched in a fight especially when armed with his imposing sword, a towering blade as tall as he. His destiny is to eventually become 'The Black Swordsman' and he will face untold horrors in battle."

If you know absolutely anything about Japanese animation you will surely have heard of Studio Ghibli. Purveyors of such fine films as Spirited Away , My Neighbour Totoro and Princess Mononoke , Studio Ghibli are often described as "Disney of the East" which is in my opinion an understatement. "Set in Yokohama, From Up On Poppy Hill is a high school love story that take place in the year before the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics. As the country begins to pick itself up from the devastation of the Second World War, the new generation struggles to move towards a prosperous future whilst trying not to lose the essence of their past. The film's rich and vibrant animation captures the entrancing beauty of Yokohama's harbour and lush surrounding hillsides and, with a soundtrack that draws inspiration from the finest music of the time, perfectly captures the thrills of young romance and the hope of a new dawn." The release of any new Studio Ghibli film is ca...

Reel Anime is a nation-wide anime specific film festival which is organised by  Australia's foremost anime distributor, Madman . In previous years crowds have been floored by films such as Summer Wars , Redline and Evangelion 2.0  and while these are certainly some impressive titles, Reel Anime 2012 is set to blow the roof off. This years line up includes  Berserk: The Egg of the King , Wolf Children , Studio Ghibli's latest From Up on Poppy Hill and the newest offering from Makoto Shinkai Children Who Chase Lost Voices. Reel Anime is running in all capital cities (except NT) between the 13th and the 26th of September 2012 so there's plenty of time to catch each session, especially the wonderful Children Who Chase Lost Voices. Be forewarned, although this film looks like a great family film, it contains a fair amount of violence and deals with some rather emotional themes.

REEL ANIME is a film festival unlike any other. While showcasing some of the biggest and best new release anime films, it isn't just for us geeks! Sure, me and my geeky kinfolk are guaranteed to squee but this years line up has something for everyone.  In previous years we have seen smash hits REDLINE and Evangelion 2.0 but this years line up is even better. Check out the full press release after the jump!

After Madman's anime panel at Sydney Supanova on Sunday, we reported on plans for the return of Reel Anime. Now, many people out there wouldn't believe me, and rightfully so. After all, I was the guy who said that Green Lantern was going to be AWESOME!  However, in this case, I was on the money! REEL ANIME is back in 2012 and it looks better than ever! The great thing about REEL ANIME, particularly this years line up, is that it has the potential to introduce an all new audience to anime which breaks those vicious stereotypes that claim that Japanese animation is full of giant robots, yellow electric rats and all things perverse. This year will show that anime can be something beautiful, both visually and in terms of substance.  Check out the official press release after the jump!