Anime
Come and be surprised that Anime can be so much more than you ever imagined.
‘The human brain is mysterious... I’m interested in trying to visualise those nonlinear ways of thinking’
– Satoshi Kon
For many filmgoers in the West, anime is all about Studio Ghibli and the incredible body of work helmed by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. Part two of our anime season moves the focus on to a trio of contemporary anime auteurs who have successfully created work to rival that of the grandmasters. Satoshi Kon’s films are known for playing with notions of reality and fiction and blurring boundaries. By the time of his death at the age of 46, he left a body of classics behind. Makoto Shinkai is a significant talent who had global success on an unprecedented scale with Your Name, and Mamoru Hosoda surprises and delights with every new film he unveils; each very different in terms of narrative, yet always of the highest quality.
Justin Johnson, lead programmer
Fantasy/Animation Presents: A Live Podcast on Anime and Your Name
A special library event exploring the origins of anime, and the hit film Your Name.
Anime Classics Part 2
Films that have survived the test of time, and a few recent titles considered by many to be classics of the form (with many screening at the BFI IMAX).
The Tale of The Princess Kaguya
A stunningly drawn anime about a magical young girl who charms everyone she meets.
Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa
An alchemist is caught in a parallel world in Germany 1923.
Tekkonkinkreet
Enjoy a thrilling fusion of Japanese and European styles in the first major anime made by a non-Japanese director.
Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro
Hayao Miyazaki’s debut feature is a delightful caper about a gentleman thief investigating an evil Count.
Grave of the Fireflies
Studio Ghibli’s anti-war masterpiece is a stark but beautifully made classic.
Grave of the Fireflies + intro by Alex Dudok de Wit, author of BFI Film Classics: Grave of the Fireflies
Studio Ghibli’s anti-war masterpiece is a stark but beautifully made classic.
Memories
Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira) produces three sci-fi tales in this thrilling anime anthology.
Anime at the IMAX
IMAX versions of anime classics, on the UK’s biggest screen.
Contemporary Anime Auteurs
A trio of brilliant directors who have raised the bar for contemporary anime.
Perfect Blue
Satoshi Kon’s cult anime sees an ex-actor-singer tormented by an unhinged fan.
Millennium Actress
A cinema star of yesteryear shares memories from her life and career in this powerful anime.
Tokyo Godfathers
An extraordinary anime comedy-drama from the hugely talented Satoshi Kon.
The Place Promised in our Early Days
Makoto Shinkai's early work is heartfelt and beautifully executed.
5 Centimeters per Second + The Garden of Words
These shorter works by Makoto Shinkai play with narrative form, telling stories of love and loneliness in exquisite settings.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Playing with time can be fun, but dangers lurk at every corner…
Summer Wars
An AI with a sadistic leaning is inadvertently unleashed on the world in this anime update of War Games.
Wolf Children
Mamoru Hosoda's tale of a woman bringing up her wolf children away from the city is a lyrical, beguiling treat.
Studio Ghibli
A few classic Ghibli titles to revisit on the big screen.
Previews
Anime previews screening at BFI Southbank.
Preview: Summer Ghost + Q&A with director Loundraw
Don’t miss the new film from a hotly tipped new anime director.
Want more?
See our Funday: Castle in the Sky screenings and workshops for families.
See our Anime collections focus in the library.
This season was co-programmed by writer and academic Hanako Miyata.
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