In celebration of Family Month in May, a dazzling lineup of animations from various genres is here.
From Juju's first theatrical debut, 'Secret Juju: Magical Harmony', to the legendary Japanese animation package including 'Bleach: Memories of Nobody', 'Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon', 'Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack', and the short animation 'Al Candy' based on the picture book by Baek Hee-na, as well as Netflix's first Korean animation 'What This Star Needs'.
Let's dive into the fun of choosing animations to watch with family, not just in theaters but at home as well.
It's truly the best gift for Children's Day, Juju's hot theater debut.
On the 1st, 'Secret Juju: Magical Harmony' hit theaters, marking the start of the golden holidays in May. The film is a magical fantasy animation that follows the adventures of the star goddess Juju, her friends, and the star jewels Jubiju as they try to save Sunshine Village from a crisis.
Prior to its release on the 26th of last month, a special preview called 'Princess Debut Party' was held, receiving a warm response, with princesses gathering in theaters to have a special time. During the event, Pinkbiju, Juju's pairing combo among the star jewels, made a surprise visit to the screening, eliciting great cheers from the young audience, and a surprise quiz show was also held. The enthusiastic participation of family audiences led to chants of "Juju! Juju!" filling the air.
After the premiere screening, audiences expressed their delight, saying, "I loved seeing the beautiful Juju and the cute Jubijus fighting magnificently, and the friendship with friends was heartwarming," "The best Children's Day gift," "Secret Juju is love, Juju♡ There are many fun scenes, and it was an hour without boredom♡," "I could sing along and there were many transformation scenes, so my child was very satisfied!" "It was truly a magical time. I made precious memories with my kids," "My child really loved it, and I was happy," and more.
A magical time that will captivate princesses unfolds in theaters.
The bling-bling baton of 'Secret Juju' is passed on to legendary Japanese animations. 'Bleach: Memories of Nobody', 'Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon', and 'Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack' are set to be released in succession.
On the 2nd, 'Bleach: Memories of Nobody' was released. The story revolves around a mysterious phenomenon occurring in the town and the protagonist's group, who are Soul Reapers, investigating the unknown creature.
On the 7th, both 'Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon' and 'Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack' will be released simultaneously.
Based on the popular manga 'Kaiju No. 8', which has surpassed 17 million copies in circulation, 'Kaiju No. 8' is an action fantasy animation depicting the story of a defense force created to fight against monsters appearing worldwide.
In a Japan filled with monsters, 'Hibino Kafka', who is working on monster corpse disposal, decides to pursue his dream again after seeing his childhood friend and rising star of the defense force, 'Ashiro Mina'. One day, Kafka suddenly transforms into the powerful 'Kaiju No. 8'. With the help of his junior 'Ichikawa Reno', he hides his identity and passes the long-desired defense force exam, aiming to stand by Mina's side. However, when a mysterious monster attacks the defense base, Kafka faces a crucial decision in a desperate situation.
On the same day, 'Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack', which is being released simultaneously, is set in the Universal Century 0093. This is the first time this highly popular Gundam series is being released in Korea.
After its initial release in Japan in 1988, 'Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack' is finally getting a formal theatrical release in Korea after 38 years. This original theatrical animation depicts the final battle between the eternal rivals 'Amuro' and 'Char'. With high-quality animation, story, visuals, music, and spectacular mecha action scenes, it is considered a masterpiece in the history of robot animation and is regarded as an excellent entry point into the Gundam series.
Lotte Cinema will also hold a special screening of 'Mobile Suit Gundam F91' to celebrate the release of 'Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack', allowing audiences to continue watching the series.
You can also meet the short animation 'Al Candy', based on the work of the globally acclaimed author Baek Hee-na.
Scheduled to meet audiences on the 28th, the film is a short animation based on Baek Hee-na's picture books 'Al Candy' and 'I Am a Dog', who is a representative of Korea and the author of the national fairy tale 'Cloud Bread'. It depicts the process of a child named 'Dongdong', who struggles with communication, understanding others' feelings and conveying his own heart through a mysterious candy.
Directed by 'Nisio Daisuke', known for 'Dragon Ball' and 'Detective Conan', and produced and invested by Toei Animation, Japan's largest animation studio, the production team of 'The First Slam Dunk' has joined in, and the film has been officially invited and awarded at various prestigious international film festivals, including the 97th Academy Awards for Best Short Animation, the 25th New York International Children's Film Festival, the 50th Seattle International Film Festival, and the 57th Sitges Film Festival, recognizing its artistic value.
As a positive example of cultural exchange cooperation through collaboration with Japanese animation based on Korean original content, the highly anticipated 'Al Candy' is drawing significant public attention for its first release.
Netflix's first Korean animated film 'What This Star Needs' will be released worldwide on the 30th.
Set in Seoul in 2050, the story revolves around Nanyoung, who dreams of exploring Mars, and Jay, who has given up on a career in music, as they meet and the events that unfold. Actors Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung voice Nanyoung and Jay, respectively.
Directed by Han Ji-won, who won the Seoul Indie Animation Festival Grand Prize with her debut work 'Kopiruwak' and has been invited to festivals such as Sundance Film Festival and Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Offering a fluffy sense of excitement, the film presents an emotional romance that crosses 225 million kilometers, with the familiar yet unfamiliar scenery of near-future Seoul in 2050 stimulating the imagination. The emotional mood created by analog props like turntables and LPs harmoniously showcases the unique retro cyberpunk style of 'What This Star Needs'. The sensory OST and the animation style infused with Han Ji-won's sensibility, including scenes of Seoun Shopping Center and the Underwater Bridge, are also key points to watch.
Director Bong Joon-ho left a recommendation for this work, stating, "A delicate visual completeness that embraces the universe and everyday life," raising expectations.
