The nominees for the Japan Academy Film Prize 2021 film awards have been revealed, and we’ll look at the best animation of the year category (anime films). There are 5 films from 2020 nominated, and although some are obvious, you may not have watched all of them. Let’s start with the one you’ve probably heard a lot about:
The popular film broke all records following its premiere on October 16, 2020. It’s the highest grossing film of all time in Japan, and the franchise is likely to get more anime content in the future as well.
This Demon Slayer movie sees Tanjiro Kamado and friends from the Demon Slayer corps board the Infinity Train on a new mission to investigate a mysterious series of disappearances, perpetrated by a demon who has been tormenting people and killing the demon slayers who oppose it.
Studio: ufotable
Kyoto Animation returned with the Violet Evergraden movie this year, and it was beautiful. Although the Demon Slayer film was insane, Violet also sold well and fans loved it. You can watch the first 10 minutes of the film on YouTube, although without English subtitles, here.
The story will follow “auto memory doll” Violet, still unable to forget about her former employer Gilbert, who taught her of love. One day, she meets his older brother Dietfried, who tells her that she should forget about Gilbert and move on – but it is impossible for her. Shortly after, Violet receives a call from a young client, while the post office discovers a letter with no address sitting in their warehouse.
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Another beautiful film, animated by BONES. The trailers all look amazing, and it’s obvious to see why the film got nominated. The first 4 minutes are available on YouTube, although not with English subtitles here.
The story centers on the relationship between Tsuneo and Josee. Tsuneo is a university student, and Josee is a young girl who has rarely gone out of the house by herself due to her being unable to walk. The two meet when Tsuneo finds Josee’s grandmother taking her out for a morning walk.
Studio: BONES
Released on December 25th, it’s a breathtaking film based on Akihiro Nishino’s book of the same name. You can even watch the first 3 minutes with English subtitles here.
The story is set in a town surrounded by a wall that stands 4,000 meters (about 2.5 miles) tall. Because the town is full of chimneys, the air is always full of smoke. No one in the town knows what the sky looks like. On one night of the town’s Halloween festival, a deliveryman accidentally drops the heart he is supposed to deliver. He cannot find the heart in the smoke and gives up. The heart continues to beat where it fell in the town of chimneys.
Studio: Studio 4°C
And finally, the second STAND BY ME Doraemon film was also nominated. The film was released on November 20, 2020, and it’s another franchise that is huge in Japan.
One day Nobita Nobi found a old stuffed bear which his grandmother gave it to him. Nobita decided to go back in time to meet his grandmother. Grandma accepts Nobita’s belief that he is a young child who has suddenly arrived. Nobita’ s grandmother said “I want to see your bride once.” And from this one sentence of grandma Doraemon and Nobita’s big blasphemy begins. Nobita and Doraemon were trying to show their grandmother a marriage ceremony, but Adult Nobita escaped on the day of his marriage ceremony. Adult Gian and Suneo looking for Nobita. Shizuka who keeps waiting with confidence. Nobita and Doraemon take the time to fulfill the wishes of grandma, to meet the wishes of her family, friends and Shizuka Minamoto, who she likes very much.
Studios: Shin-Ei Animation, Shimogumi, Robot
The Japan Academy Film Prize 2021 is obviously for films released in 2020, and we’ll know the winners on March 9 this year.and we’ll know the winners on March 9 this year.
Source: Japan Academy Prize Website
[Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Official Website: https://kimetsu.com
©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable
Violet Evergarden the Movie
Official Website: https://violet-evergarden.jp
©暁佳奈・京都アニメーション／ヴァイオレット・エヴァーガーデン製作委員会
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish
Official Website: https://joseetora.jp
©2020 Seiko Tanabe/ KADOKAWA/ Josee Project
Poupelle of Chimney Town
Official Website: https://poupelle.com
© 西野亮廣／｢映画えんとつ町のプペル｣製作委員会
STAND BY ME Doraemon 2
Official Website: https://doraemon-3d.com
©Fujiko Pro/2020 STAND BY ME Doraemon 2 Film Partners]