A new feature film, The Summer / Ano Natsu, by emerging Korean animation director Han Ji-won, who is also known for her work on Netflix’s first Korean animated film Ano Hoshi ni Kimi ga Iru, is set to be released theatrically nationwide in Japan starting August 15, 2025, including at Human Trust Cinema Yuurakuchou in Tokyo.
About the Director and Original Work
Director Han Ji-won received high praise for her 2015 film Omotta Yori Hare (Thought More Sunny), earning her accolades like “genius animator” and being referred to as “Korea’s Makoto Shinkai.” She stated that she began her path in animation because she “liked Director Miyazaki Hayao’s Princess Mononoke.” For The Summer / Ano Natsu, she has visualized the short story “Ano Natsu” by Choi Eun-young, which is included in the collection Watashi ni Muhai na Hito (Harmless People to Me), a recipient of the 51st Hankook Ilbo Literary Award.
The Story of Igyeong and Sui
The story centers on Igyeong and Sui, who first meet at a local high school. Their fated encounter began on the school grounds when Igyeong, walking along the athletic field, accidentally broke her glasses after being hit by a ball kicked by Sui. From this casual meeting, the two began to be drawn to each other.
Eventually, after graduating from high school, they relocate to Seoul. Igyeong goes on to university, while Sui enters the workforce. As they each proceed down different paths, new joys emerge, but so do unexpected conflicts and undeniable differences that they cannot look away from.
A Poignant Journey on Screen
This film masterfully portrays the two girls’ fated meeting, the trembling joy felt as their distance shortens, the seemingly trivial misunderstandings, and the unavoidable conclusion, all depicted in 61 minutes through the monologue of the protagonist, Igyeong. Adorned with fresh visuals and a contemporary sensibility, it’s truly a precious time for these two that you will want to watch unfold on screen.
Release Information
The feature film The Summer / Ano Natsu by emerging Korean animation director Han Ji-won is scheduled for theatrical release nationwide starting August 15, 2025, playing at Human Trust Cinema Yuurakuchou in Tokyo and other theaters.
Film Details
Title: The Summer / Ano Natsu
Release Date: August 15, 2025 (Friday)
Location: Human Trust Cinema Yuurakuchou and others nationwide
Director: Han Ji-won
Original Work: “Ano Natsu” (by Choi Eun-young, translated by Furukawa Ayako / Akishobou / collected in Watashi ni Muhai na Hito)
Year: 2023 / Country: Korea / Language: Korean / Color: Color / Running Time: 61 minutes
English Title: The Summer
Distributor: Fine Films
Copyright: ©2023 LAFTEL ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Written by Nakase Koutarou
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