The first trailer for Studio 4°C’s adaption of Daisuke Igarashi’s cult classic Children Of The Sea went live earlier this week. In a word, it’s stunning. Director Ayumu Watanabe, who’s directed a large number of Doraemon movies as well as the amazing Space Brothers, seems to be doing the original manga justice. Another big plus the upcoming film has going for it is the involvement of Joe Hisaishi, primarily known for doing pretty much all of Hayao Miyazaki’s music. The film will start screening in Japan on June 7. Worry not though, international licensor GKIDS has already announced a theatrical run in the United States later this year.
I was shocked when Studio 4°C first announced they would be adapting Children Of The Sea. The manga’s excellent, and Viz Media’s over-sized English edition is an absolute visual treat. Daisuke Igarashi has a one of a kind way with ink and his portrayal of the ocean and sea-life in Children Of The Sea absolutely nails its beauty and mythical quality. However, despite its high quality, the comic’s over a decade old and the announcement came out of thin air.
Thankfully, Studio 4°C is the perfect studio to handle a project like this, known for their bordering on avant-garde animation and often time esoteric films. Behind movies like Masaaki Yuasa’s Mind Game and the absolutely incredible adaption of Tekkonkinkreet, no studio could bring Children Of The Sea to life like Studio 4°C can. With Joe Hisaishi, the man behind the formative and unforgettable melodies of Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, as well as the excellent synth-based soundtrack for Robot Carnival, you know the music will be up to snuff too. We’re going to be in for a treat.
Children Of The Sea screens in Japan on June 7. American screenings to follow later this year.