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Promare

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Promare
Theatrical release poster
Japanese name
Kanjiプロメア
Transcriptions
Revised HepburnPuromea
Directed byHiroyuki Imaishi
Screenplay byKazuki Nakashima
Produced byKeisuke Ukai
Starring
CinematographyShinsuke Ikeda
Edited byJunichi Uematsu
Music byHiroyuki Sawano
Production
companies
Distributed byToho Animation[1]
Release dates
  • May 15, 2019 (2019-05-15) (Tokyo premiere)[2]
  • May 24, 2019 (2019-05-24) (general release)[2]
Running time
112 minutes[3]
CountryJapan
LanguageJapanese
Box office¥1.5 billion (Japan)[4]
$17 million (worldwide)[a]

Promare (Japanese: プロメア, Hepburn: Puromea) is a 2019 Japanese animated science fiction action film co-produced by Trigger and XFLAG. It was directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi and written by Kazuki Nakashima. It features character and mecha designs by Shigeto Koyama, 3DCG animation by Sanzigen, and music by Hiroyuki Sawano. The film was released on May 24, 2019, in Japan, by Toho Animation.[1] At the 2019 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the film was selected as one of the ten films. It was nominated for Best Animated Feature — Independent at the 47th Annie Awards, but lost to Jérémy Clapin's I Lost My Body.

Plot

[edit]

During a catastrophe known as the Great World Blaze, mass spontaneous human combustions caused fires that killed half the world's population. During and after the event, some humans developed pyrokinetic abilities and became known as the Burnish. Thirty years later, Galo Thymos is a resident of the city of Promepolis and a member of the firefighting group Burning Rescue, which responds to incidents involving the Mad Burnish, a group of radical Burnish accused of being terrorists. As Galo defeats the Mad Burnish, including their leader, Lio Fotia, the Freeze Force, a police force owned by the city's governor, Kray Foresight, arrests them. However, Lio and the other prisoners break free and escape to a cave near a frozen lake, where Galo witnesses Lio failing to revive a mortally injured Burnish using a mouth-to-mouth flame transfer technique. Before they escape, Lio tells Galo that Kray is capturing Burnish for human experimentation, which shocks Galo as he worshipped Kray after he saved him from a fire several years ago.

After Galo confronts Kray, he informs him that Earth will soon be destroyed by an uncontrollable surge of magma from its core and that the Burnish's abilities can be used to create a warp drive, which he intends to use to flee Earth with a select portion of humanity. Galo opposes this plan, but is arrested for treason. Meanwhile, Freeze Force manages to track down and recapture all of the Burnish population except for Lio, whom his companions send into a nearby volcano. Enraged by the mistreatment of his people, Lio unleashes his hatred and transforms into a giant flaming dragon that burns down the city with the intent of confronting Kray. Galo escapes from prison and intervenes with the help of Burning Rescue, restraining and cooling Lio enough for Galo's colleague, Aina Ardebit, to send them to the frozen lake.

The flames melt the ice, revealing a laboratory run by a holographic projection of Deus Prometh, a scientist whom Kray killed. He explains that the Burnish can communicate with the Promare, a race of interdimensional flame beings who came to reside in Earth's core after a dimensional rift opened shortly before the Great World Blaze. They have a natural desire to burn, which the Burnish have inherited. The surging magma is a side effect of subjecting the Promare to pain, and Kray's experiments on the Burnish using incomplete, stolen technology are accelerating its growth. He also reveals that the collective agony caused by the Promare-powered warp drive will lead to Earth's destruction.

In a mecha of Deus' design called Deus X Machina, Galo and Lio return to Promepolis to confront Kray, and in the ensuing battle, the ship and warp drive are seemingly destroyed. Kray reveals that he is a Burnish and that he indirectly started the fire he rescued Galo from, using it as the start of his political uprising, as well as recommended that Galo join Burning Rescue in the hopes that he would be killed on the job. Kray seemingly kills Galo and takes Lio to use him to power the warp drive, but Lio's flame saves Galo. Using a drill Prometh designed, Galo reaches the ship's core in time and defeats Kray using Lio's flame. While Lio is nearly killed due to the warp drive, he revives him using the mouth-to-mouth technique.

After fusing with Earth's core, Lio convinces Galo to combine the drive with the mecha to protect life on Earth. The Promare envelop the surface, allowing them to burn completely and harmlessly and satisfying their natural urge, allowing the rift in the core to close. The Burnish become normal humans, and Galo and Lio resolve to rebuild the world together.

Voice cast

[edit]
Character
Japanese[8][9][10] English[11]
Galo Thymos (ガロ・ティモス, Garo Timosu) Kenichi Matsuyama Billy Kametz
A recently recruited member of Burning Rescue, who describes himself as having a "burning soul". After surviving a house fire as a child, he aims to save others from fire.
Lio Fotia (リオ・フォーティア, Rio Fōtia) Taichi Saotome Johnny Yong Bosch
The leading successor of the organization Mad Burnish. He risks his life to protect everyone and believes that the Burnish do not kill without reason.
Kray Foresight (クレイ・フォーサイト, Kurei Fōsaito) Masato Sakai Crispin Freeman
The commanding governor and founding leader of Promepolis. He orders human experiments on the Burnish and wants to be perceived as a hero by the general public.
Aina Ardebit (アイナ・アルデビット, Aina Arudebitto) Ayane Sakura Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld
A pilot of Burning Rescue and Galo's colleague. According to Heris, she was to be brought onto the Parnassus ship.
Remi Puguna (レミー・プグーナ, Remī Pugūna) Hiroyuki Yoshino Billy Bob Thompson
The vice-captain of Burning Rescue, who takes sense from Galo and Lucia.
Varys Truss (バリス・トラス, Barisu Torasu) Tetsu Inada John Eric Bentley
A muscular member of Burning Rescue, who often protects survivors. Like his co-workers, he can be critical of Galo.
Ignis Ex (イグニス・エクス, Igunisu Ekusu) Rikiya Koyama Steve Blum
The commander of Burning Rescue, who is effective in coordinating them during rescues and appears to have a negative history with Vulcan.
Lucia Fex (ルチア・フェックス, Ruchia Fekkusu) Mayumi Shintani Kari Wahlgren
A scientist of Burning Rescue and the creator of Galo's mecha, Matoi Tech. She dislikes being called a "mad scientist".
Vinny (ビニー, Binī) Kendo Kobayashi Michael Sinterniklaas
Lucia's rat and the mascot of Burning Rescue. He tends to be gluttonous.
Heris Ardebit (エリス・アルデビット, Erisu Arudebitto) Ami Koshimizu Erica Lindbeck
Aina's sister, who works as a scientist and is one of Kray's assistants.
Biar Colossus (ビアル・コロッサス, Biaru Korossasu) Ryōka Yuzuki Melissa Fahn
Kray's secretary assistant.
Vulcan Haestus (ヴァルカン・ヘイストス, Varukan Heisutosu) Taiten Kusunoki Neil Kaplan
The cyborg captain of Freeze Force, who is working with Kray to capture Burnish. His technology is implied to be from the Foresight Foundation.
Gueira (ゲーラ, Gēra) Nobuyuki Hiyama Matthew Mercer
Lio's first general. A Burnish whose fiery personality stands out compared to Lio and Meis.
Meis (メイス, Meisu) Katsuyuki Konishi Yuri Lowenthal
Lio's second general. Despite his cool demeanor, he goes along with the antics of his partners.
Deus Prometh (デウス・プロメス, Deusu Puromesu) Arata Furuta Mike Pollock
A researcher of phenomenon whom Kray killed. He later preserved his consciousness in an AI computer.

Music

[edit]
Promare Original Soundtrack
Soundtrack album by
Hiroyuki Sawano
ReleasedMay 24, 2019
GenreSoundtrack
Length1:15:26
LabelAniplex
ProducerHiroyuki Sawano

The film's theme songs, "Kakusei" (覚醒, lit. "Awakening") and "Kōri ni Tojikomete" (氷に閉じこめて, lit. "Imprisoned in Ice"), are performed by Superfly.[10] The soundtrack is composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, with the album published by Aniplex on May 24, 2019.

All music is composed by Hiroyuki Sawano

Promare Original Soundtrack[12]
No.TitleLyricsPerformer(s)Length
1."Inferno"
  • Benjamin Anderson
  • mpi
  • Benjamin Anderson
  • mpi
3:54
2."PRO//MARE"  3:47
3."GAL-OTHY-MOS"  5:09
4."ΛsHEs"cAnON.Gemie2:21
5."WORLDBIGFLAMEUP"  4:27
6."PROMARETHEME"  3:18
7."BangBangBUR!...n?"  5:56
8."NEXUS"
  • Benjamin Anderson
  • mpi
Laco3:49
9."BAR2tsuSH"  5:27
10."DeusPRO召す"  5:17
11."fanFAREpiZZA"  3:36
12."ΛsHEs ～RETURNS～"cAnON.Gemie2:24
13."燃焼ING-RES9"  2:09
14."BAR2NG4女14yoN"  3:11
15."904SITE"  2:34
16."REG-GIRT"  2:27
17."RE:0"  2:38
18."PIROMARE"  2:20
19."Gallant Ones"
  • Benjamin Anderson
  • mpi
  • Benjamin Anderson
  • mpi
2:54
20."stRE:0ings"  2:27
21."火-YO!人"  5:21
Total length:1:15:26

Production

[edit]

The film was announced at Anime Expo on July 2, 2017, as an original anime project co-produced by Trigger and XFLAG that has been in production for over four years,[13] later revealed to be a film in October 2018. Hiroyuki Imaishi and Kazuki Nakashima worked together previously on Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill. Nakashima and Trigger are credited for the original work, with Shigeto Koyama providing the character and mechanical designs, Sanzigen animating the 3DCG sequences and Hiroyuki Sawano composing the music. The film's logo is designed by Saishi Ichiko and Tomotaka Kubo is serving as art director. Sushio, who designed the characters and served as chief animation director on Kill la Kill, is involved as one of the film's animators.[14]

Release

[edit]

The film premiered in Japan on May 24, 2019.[9][15] On June 13, 2019, GKIDS acquired the film for North American distribution, with showings occurring on September 17 and 19, 2019.[16][17][18] It was dubbed into English by NYAV Post.[19] The film was later released again with showings on December 8, 10, and 11, 2019, where it also aired a short prequel film Side: Galo.[20] Another showing of the film in North America was expected to re-air April 7 and 8, 2020 with the two prequel films Side: Galo and Side: Lio, and a message from Imaishi.[21] However, the third screening in North America was postponed during COVID-19 pandemic.[22] It was later rescheduled to September 16 and 19, 2021, along with Takashi Yamazaki's Lupin III: The First.[23] To promote the upcoming European release, Trigger partnered with Goodsmile Racing and Black Falcon team to field a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Promare livery in the 2019 Spa 24 Hours endurance race.[24] The car started on pole position and finished 3rd.[25] In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Anime Limited acquired the film, and premiered it at Scotland Loves Anime in Glasgow on October 13, 2019,[26] and a special screening in Edinburgh on October 19, 2019, with director Hiroyuki Imaishi, creative producer Hiromi Wakabayashi, and character designer Shigeto Koyama.[27] In Australia and New Zealand Madman Entertainment premiered the film at Madman Anime Festival Melbourne on September 14, 2019.[28]

Home media

[edit]

The film was released in Japan on Blu-ray and DVD on February 5, 2020.[29] Originally set for a May 5, 2020 digital home media release in North America, it was released by GKIDS and Shout! Factory digitally on April 21, 2020.[30] A Blu-ray and DVD release followed on May 19, 2020.[31]

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

The film ranked at number 8 in the Japanese box office on an opening weekend, grossing ¥41.4 million in its first three days.[32] In its second weekend, the film dropped to number 10, grossing ¥58.8 million and a cumulative total of ¥231.3 million.[33] In its third weekend, the film dropped out of the top 10 and accumulated ¥65.3 million. As of September 20, 2019, the film had grossed over ¥1.2 billion ($11.11 million).[34] The film went on to gross ¥1.5 billion ($13.8 million) in Japan,[4][5] becoming the 23rd highest-grossing Japanese film of 2019.[4] It has also grossed $2,313,186 in the United States and Canada,[6] and $914,234 in other territories, for a worldwide total of $17 million.[a]

Critical response

[edit]

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported that 97% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 29 reviews, with an average rating of 8/10. The site's critics consensus reads, "Visually dazzling and narratively exhilarating, Promare is a colorful thrill ride that should entertain adult anime enthusiasts as well as the teens in its target audience."[35] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 77 out of 100 based on 8 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[36]

Matt Schley of The Japan Times gave the film 4 stars out of 5, praising the storytelling but having some criticism for elements of the transition between 2D and 3D animation.[37]

Writing for Anime News Network, Kim Morrissy gave Promare a Grade A. Comparing it to previous works by Gainax and Trigger such as Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill. Morrissy claimed that: "Promare is a refinement of the Trigger formula to the point where I honestly believe it has outdone the classics that inspired it."[38]

Gadget Tsūshin listed "Annihilation Beam", a phrase from the film, in their 2019 anime buzzwords list.[39]

Accolades

[edit]
Year Award Category Recipient Result
2020 Mainichi Film Awards Best Animation Film Promare Nominated[40]
Annie Awards Best Animated Feature — Independent Nominated [41]
Newtype Anime Awards Best Work (Theatrical Screening) Won[42]
Bucheon International Animation Film Festival International Competition - Feature Film - Audience Prize Won[43]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Promare – $17,027,420
    • Japan – ¥1.5 billion ($13.8 million)[4][5]
    • US, Canada, France, Russia CIS, UK, Australia, New Zealand – $2,767,420[6]
    • Taiwan – $460,000[7]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "CAST_STAFF | 映画『プロメア』公式サイト 5/24（金）全国ロードショー" (in Japanese). Trigger, Kazuki Nakashima/XFLAG. Archived from the original on February 4, 2020. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  2. ^ a b "5月15日（水）映画『プロメア』完成披露プレミア上映会の開催が決定！！" (in Japanese). Trigger, Kazuki Nakashima/XFLAG. April 24, 2019. Archived from the original on October 15, 2019. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
  3. ^ プロメア (2019). allcinema (in Japanese). Stingray. Archived from the original on June 17, 2019. Retrieved May 25, 2019.
  4. ^ a b c d "MOVIES WITH BOX OFFICE GROSS RECEIOPTS EXCEEDING 1 BILLION YEN". Eiren. Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan. 2019. Archived from the original on February 16, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  5. ^ a b "Historical exchange rates from 1953 with graph and charts". fxtop.com. 2019. Archived from the original on June 30, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  6. ^ a b "Promare (2019) - International Box Office Results". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on June 30, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  7. ^ "台北週末◆票房收入:2019年 第 41 週10-11~10-13-台灣偶像劇場". tw.dorama.info. Archived from the original on October 16, 2020. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  8. ^ "Trigger Reveals More Details on Promare Anime". Anime News Network. July 7, 2018. Archived from the original on December 21, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  9. ^ a b "Trigger, XFlag's Promare Anime Film Reveals Main Cast, May Debut, New Trailer". Anime News Network. January 22, 2019. Archived from the original on January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 22, 2019.
  10. ^ a b "Promare Anime Film's New Trailer Unveils New Cast, Superfly Theme Songs". Anime News Network. April 4, 2019. Archived from the original on April 6, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
  11. ^ Sherman, Jennifer (August 27, 2019). "Promare Anime Film's English-dubbed Trailer Streamed (Updated)". Anime News Network. News. Archived from the original on August 27, 2019. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  12. ^ "オリジナルサウンドトラック CM解禁". promare-movie.com (in Japanese). April 9, 2019. Archived from the original on April 19, 2019. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
  13. ^ "Studio Trigger Announces 3 New Anime Titles (Updated)". Anime News Network. July 3, 2017. Archived from the original on July 3, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  14. ^ "1st Promo Video for Trigger, XFlag's Promare Anime Reveals Theatrical Release in 2019". Anime News Network. October 12, 2018. Archived from the original on March 29, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  15. ^ "Promare Anime Film Reveals More Cast, May 24 Debut, Visuals". Anime News Network. March 19, 2019. Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  16. ^ "Trigger's PROMARE Anime Film Hits North American Theaters in September". Crunchyroll. June 13, 2019. Archived from the original on June 20, 2019. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  17. ^ Zahed, Ramin (June 13, 2019). "Studio Trigger's 'Promare' Is Snapped Up By GKIDS". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on June 14, 2019. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  18. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio. "GKIDS Licenses Promare Film for September Theatrical Screenings in N. America". Anime News Network. News. Archived from the original on June 14, 2019. Retrieved July 6, 2019.
  19. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn. "NYAV Post to Dub Promare Anime Film With Supervision by Trigger". Anime News Network. News. Archived from the original on July 6, 2019. Retrieved July 6, 2019.
  20. ^ Lada, Jenni (March 6, 2020). "Promare Complete Will Return to Theaters in April 2020". Siliconera. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  21. ^ Milligan, Mercedes (November 26, 2019). "GKIDS & Fathom Add Exclusive 4DX 'Promare (Redux)' Screenings". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on December 22, 2019. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  22. ^ @GKIDSfilms (March 18, 2020). "Given current circumstances & to ensure the health & safety of our attendees, PROMARE (Complete) and CHILDREN OF THE SEA have been postponed. New event dates and ticketing info will be communicated when available. For info about refunds please reach out to your point of purchase" (Tweet). Retrieved March 18, 2020 – via Twitter.
  23. ^ "GKIDS Is Bringing Promare and Lupin III Back to Theatres". Siliconera. April 15, 2021. Archived from the original on August 30, 2021. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
  24. ^ "「Fate」「プロメア」「初音ミク」デザインのマシンが「スパ24時間」を走る！ "グッスマ"が「Black Falcon」のアートディレクションを担当". Car Watch (in Japanese). July 22, 2019. Archived from the original on July 29, 2019. Retrieved July 29, 2019.
  25. ^ Kilshaw, Jake (July 28, 2019). "GPX Porsche Wins Rain-Affected 24H Spa". Sportscar365. Archived from the original on July 30, 2019. Retrieved July 30, 2019.
  26. ^ "Scotland Loves Anime 2019 Full List of Films Revealed for Glasgow & Edinburgh". Anime UK News. September 4, 2019. Archived from the original on September 5, 2019. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  27. ^ "Promare Special Event Screening: Edinburgh". Scotland Loves Anime. Archived from the original on September 4, 2019. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  28. ^ "Promare Australian Premiere". Madman Anime Festival. Madman Entertainment. Archived from the original on November 3, 2019. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  29. ^ "Japanese Promare Blu-ray and DVD Reveals Bonus Items". MANGA.TOKYO. December 9, 2019. Archived from the original on January 13, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  30. ^ @GKIDSfilms (March 18, 2020). "An update on #PROMARE..." (Tweet). Retrieved March 18, 2020 – via Twitter.
  31. ^ "'Promare' Coming to Blu-ray From GKIDS and Shout Factory". Bleeding Cool. February 24, 2020. Archived from the original on February 28, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  32. ^ "Ibuki Opens at #2, Sadako at #4, Promare at #8 in Japan". Anime News Network. May 27, 2019. Archived from the original on June 18, 2019. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  33. ^ "Godzilla: King of the Monsters Opens at #1 in Japan". Anime News Network. June 3, 2019. Archived from the original on June 4, 2019. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  34. ^ "Promare Anime Film Gets 4D Screenings, Earns 1.2 Billion Yen". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on September 20, 2019. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  35. ^ "Promare (2019)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Archived from the original on October 8, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  36. ^ "Promare Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on April 11, 2020. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  37. ^ Schley, Matt (May 15, 2019). "'Promare': A burning need for rage control". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 18, 2019.
  38. ^ Morrissy, Kim (June 6, 2019). "Review: Promare". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on June 14, 2019. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  39. ^ Loveridge, Lynzee; Morrissy, Kim (December 4, 2019). "Demon Slayer, Dr. Stone, Zombie Land Saga Buzzwords Make Gadget Tsūshin 2019 List". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 8, 2019. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
  40. ^ "74th Mainichi Film Awards Nominations". Mainichi Shimbun. Archived from the original on December 20, 2019. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
  41. ^ "Annie Awards: 'Frozen 2,' 'Missing Link' Lead Year of Surprises and Snubs". The Hollywood Reporter. December 2, 2019. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
  42. ^ "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Promare Anime Win Top Newtype Anime Awards". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 3, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
  43. ^ "BIAF 2020. 10.23 ~ 27 BUCHEON INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL Award Winner Announcement". Bucheon International Animation Film Festival. October 26, 2020. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
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