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The Imaginary 2023
The Imaginary is a 2023 Japanese animated fantasy film made by Studio Ponoc. It was directed by Yoshiyuki Momose and features a screenplay written by Yoshiaki Nishimura, who also produced the film. The movie is based on A.F. Harrold's 2014 novel of the same name. This is Studio Ponoc’s first full-length animated film since Mary and the Witch’s Flower in 2017. The Japanese voice cast includes Kokoro Terada, Rio Suzuki, Sakura Ando, Riisa Naka, Takayuki Yamada, Atsuko Takahata and Issey Ogata. The story centers on Rudger, an Imaginary, who lives out adventures created by his maker, Amanda. After a serious accident separates them, Rudger must face a fate shared by all Imaginaries: fading into human memory. The film uses hand-drawn animation techniques. Originally planned for release between June and August 2022, it was delayed due to production issues. It opened in Japanese theaters on December 15, 2023, and later became available worldwide via Netflix on July 5, 2024. Critics responded positively, highlighting its animation, themes, story and visuals. The film has a running time of 105 minutes and its musical score was composed by Kenji Tamai and Agehasprings. It was distributed by Toho.
Cast
Crew
- Director
- Yoshiyuki Momose
- Screenplay
- Yoshiaki Nishimura
- Producer
- Yoshiaki Nishimura
- Cinematography
- Susumu Fukushi
- Editing
- Toshihiko Kojima
- Music
- Kenji Tamai, Agehasprings
Details
- Production
- Studio Ponoc
- Distributor
- Toho Next
- Box office
- $478,300
