Crunchyroll’s Suzume has made cinematic history. This is the first time that two anime films have been nominated for the title of Best Motion Picture – Animated (with Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron being the other) for the 2024 Golden Globe Awards.
SUZUME ANIME RECEIVES BEST ANIMATED FEATURE NOMINATION AT GOLDEN GLOBES
This news is great for any anime fans and Japanophiles who are keen for anime to get more mainstream recognition in the West. For those of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s, this marks something we never thought would happen. Anime has always trod a line between being mainstream and not, particularly in Europe where it has long been dubbed and localized for children.
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However, never did we foresee it becoming mainstream enough to be nominated for Western awards outside of ‘International’ categories. We’ve come a long way.
Makoto Shinkai Acknowledges His Nod
This marks writer/director Makoto Shinkai’s first nomination for a Golden Globe. On the nomination, Shinkai issued the following statement:
“I thank everyone on the production team, who in some way brought Suzume one step closer to reclaiming her own daily life, as well as the fans who came out to theaters to witness her journey. Likewise, my deepest gratitude goes to the Golden Globes, who discovered and considered our film for such a prestigious award.”
– Makoto Shinkai
More About the Film
CoMix Wave Films Inc. (CWF), produced all of Makoto Shinkai’s films. CWF started its life in creative contracting and currently works in production, distribution, and package sales as well as overseas sales. The company aims to work with imaginative artists and deliver heartfelt works to the world to fully display the creators’ abilities and that will stand the test of time.
RELATED: SUZUME – Makoto Shinkai’s Animated Masterpiece is Coming to Crunchyroll
STORY inc. was founded by Yoshihiro Furusawa and Genki Kawamura (Your Name) to develop and produce films with compelling stories. Besides the award-winning feature, STORY inc. has recently produced the Netflix drama Maiko-sanchi no Makanai-san with director Hirokazu Kore-eda.
What Is the Film About?
The movie’s official synopsis tells a very interesting story:
“On the other side of the door, was a time in its entirety—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. 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 Golden Globes will be held in Beverly Hills on Jan. 7, 2024 ahead of the BAFTAs and Oscar ceremonies. In the USA, the ceremony will air on CBS as well as being streamed live on Paramount+.
RELATED: Suzume: Crunchyroll announces Nichole Sakura as English voiceover
The film is currently available to stream on Crunchyroll, so worth watching if you need a break during the festive season.
About Suzume
Release: Apr. 14, 2023
Original Story and Screenplay Written and Directed By: Makoto Shinkai
Character Design: Masayoshi Tanaka
Animation Director: Kenichi Tsuchiya
Art Director: Takumi Tanji
Production: CoMix Wave Films Inc. and STORY inc.
Distribution: Crunchyroll
Japanese Voice Cast: Nanoka Hara, Hokuto Matsumura, Eri Fukatsu, Shota Sometani, Sairi Ito, Kotone Hanase, and Kana Hanazawa
English Dub Cast: Nichole Sakura, Josh Keaton, Jennifer Sun Bell, Roger Craig Smith, Amanda C. Miller, Rosalie Chiang, Allegra Clark, Cam Clarke, Joe Zieja, Lena Josephine Marano, and Mela Lee
Synopsis: On the other side of the door, was time in its entirety— 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.
Have you seen Suzume yet? If so, do you think it’s worth a Golden Globe win? Do you like that anime is becoming more mainstream or do you miss the days when it was super niche? Let us know in the comments or on our social media.
SOURCE: Crunchyroll
KEEP READING: Suzume Will Hold A Special Screening in the UK with Makoto Shinkai in Attendance
