WOW! What a fact filled Asia-AICN column for this week. Man, Darius25 and crew sent Father Geek tons of info on far East cinema to put up in today's report, so I'll just step aside and let you get on with it...

Asia-AICN

Hey all, hope you've been well. We have a jam-packed report for you today with the news on two different award shows, and info on many films, including Supari (The Contract), The Touch, Hotaru (Lightbug) and lots more. Now here's the latest from Asia.

INDIA

- Producer Boney Kapoor has announced yet another production which will star Sunil Shetty, Rani Mukherjee, and Sanjay Kapoor. The film will be directed by E.V.V. Satyanarayana and will be shot in one schedule from August to December. The title has not yet been finalized.

- After the success of Kya Kehna (Say Something), director Kundan Shah is again teaming up with actress Preity Zinta and producer Ramesh Taurani for his next film. The film will pair Zinta up with Arjun Rampal and will feature another couple aswell. Rumour has it that Tabu will be the second heroine of the film. The film, whose title has not yet been disclosed, will start shooting in April.

- Director Padam Kumar's next film will be Supari (The Contract). The underworld thriller stars Uday Chopra, Jimmy Shergill and Kim Sharma (all from Mohabbatein - Love Affairs). Madhuri Dixit is in talks to star as the ultimate head of the underworld, which could be her first negative role.

- Miss Asia-Pacific, Diya Mirza, will make her acting debut in producer Vashu Bhagnani's Om Jai Jagdish, directed by actor Anupam Kher. With the casting of the Ms. Mirza, the leading roles have now been finalized. The film stars Anil Kapoor, Fardeen Khan and Abhishek Bachchan as Om, Jai, and Jagdish, respectives. The actors will be paired up against Tabu, Urmila Matondkar, and Diya Mirza.

- There were two films released last Friday. The first one is , directed by Shyam Benegal and partially based on the true story. The film follows the life of Zubeidaa (Karisma Kapoor) who was an aspiring actress in the 1950s when she was forced into marriage by her domineering father (Amrish Puri). The marriage ends in a divorce, leaving Zubeidaa alone to raise her young son. Soon after she meets and marries Vijendra Singh (Manoj Bajpai), who happens to be the king of a state called Jodhpur. She arrives in Jodhpur to find out that Vijendra happens to be married to a much older woman , Mandira (Rekha). Mandira treats Zubeidaa as a daughter, and teaches her the manners of being a queen. Later on Mandira turns out to be royal bitch (pun intended) and the story follows Zubeidaa as she tries to win her husband from his first wife. As you can probably tell from this synopsis, the film is not exactly everyone's cup of tea. Benegal is an art-director and this is one of his rare attempts at making a quasi-commercial film. It's not really Zubeidaa's story as it is a reflection on India's more majestic times. The film is just absolutely to look at, featuring grande old palaces, beautiful cinematography and of course, the ravishing look of Karisma Kapoor. I mean, she's pretty and all, but in this film, she looks very much like a queen should be. Looks aside, the girl can also act incredibly well and successfully carries the film on her shoulders. Rekha is also very well in her role of the elder queen and handles the conniving character quite convincingly. Manoj Bajpai is good in his small role, but being trapped between two major actresses doesn't give him much of a scope to test his acting capabilities. The classical songs, by music director A.R. Rehman, are pleasing to the ears and fit the film well. All in all Zubeidaa is good quasi-epic - just don't go something too commercial and you won't be disappointed.

To see a picture of Karisma Kapoor and Manoj Bajpai: Just Click

- Ok then, the second film released on Friday was Kuch Khatti, Kuch Meethi (A Little Sour, A Little Sweet), directed by Rahul Rawail. The 4th Indian remake of "The Parent Trap", this film is just dumb. It takes the basic idea of the Hayley Mills film and turns into an idiotic Adam Sandler film. You should know the story. Kajol stars as a bitchy woman living with her alcoholic father (Rishi Kapoor). She suddenly meets her twin, a more nicer version of herself, in the US and the two switch identities in order to reunite their parents. They then quickly wreak havocs in their parents' lives and eventually reunite the parents at the end while getting rid of the bad guys (a scheming rich guy in mom's life and a slut in dad's life). Sunil Shetty has a meaningless role as the bitch twin's boyfriend. As I said before, the film's just idiotic, plain and simple. Instead of being a sweet family film, this is just a compilation of stupid jokes and pretty bad acting. Rishi Kapoor just mops around as the depressed husband, while Rati Agnihotri (in her comeback role after more than a decade) looks way too sweet and naive to walk out on her husband. Kajol is ok, but she was definitely not able to carry this film on her shoulders. In her last film, Raju Chacha (Uncle Raju), I complained that there was not enough of the actress, but in this film, she was in it way too much. Rahul Rawail did not do a very good job in making a yet another version of the classic film. My request to all of you is that please give Zubeidaa a try and ignore this mess altogether.

To see a picture of Rishi Kapoor and Kajol: Click Right Here

CHINA / HK

Here's a tidbit from "Anonymous" about Ang Lee's future plans:

Dear Harry,

Hello! I am writing from Taiwan. I know this isn't exactly new news, but in today (Jan.21)'s CHINA TIMES newspaper, Ang Lee indeed CONFIRMS that he will be doing "The Incredible Hulk" with Paramount, and that James Schamus has begun pre-production. But his next film will first be a musical called "Same Old Song", which is adapted from Alain Resnais's 1998 film "On Connait La Chanson". Production is scheduled to start in New York this fall, with stars Julia Roberts, Emma Thompson, Kevin Kline and Charlize Theron expressing interest in the film.

Thank you for your wonderful website. Keep up the great work!

Anonymous

The following was reported by "AccSpy":

- "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is qualified as a "HK movie" and is therefore a contender in this year's HK Film Awards, since more than half of the cast and crew combined are the members of HK film society. Now "In the Mood for Love" has some really tough competition. (They're both GREAT films - D25)

- The recent multi-awards winner Francis Ng and Eric Tsang ("Metade Fumaca") will team up for the very first time in a dark comedy literally titled "Losers' Union" about a famous singer (Ng) with a mental disorder who teams up with his old producer (Tsang) for one last album. Sandra Ng co-stars, Johnnie To produces, and Patrick Yau ("The Longest Nite", "Expect the Unexpected") directs this comedy which is being presented by Chinastar and Milkyway Productions.

- It turns out that Peter Pau, the award-winning cinematographer of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", will make his directorial debut in Michelle Yeoh's "The Touch". The actioner also stars Daniel Wu ("Purple Storm").

- Kelly Chen ("Tokyo Raiders", Lavender") will join a Japanese production later this year, a romantic drama which pairs Chen opposite Japanese actor Yutaka Takenouchi (who is also the primary choice to play the lead in Derek Yee's remake of "Death Duel"). The film takes place in Japan and Italy.

- Rumours say that Chow Yun-fat and critically-acclaimed director Zhang Yimou ("The Road Home", "Not One Less") are seeking a chance to work together, but not until the end of 2002. Chow was no-show for Golden Globe because he decided to stay in HK to spend some time with his family and friends during the Chinese New Year.

- Stephen Chow's "Shaolin Soccer (lit. title)" is getting lots of exposure in the newspapers lately. The movie is now shooting the final scene and will be wrapped up soon. Here's some pics:

To see Stephen Chow: Just Click

And here's another picture of Stephen Chow: Go Here

Finally, here's a picture of Stephen Chow and Tse Yin, who is famous actor from the '60s but is now more well-known as Nicolas Tse's father: Click

- As per tradition, Jackie Chan ruled the HKBO on yet another Chinese New Year. "The Accidental Spy", scored an estimated $6.5 million HKD in its first four days. Sammi Cheng and Anita Mui's period comedy "Wu Yen" came second with $4 million HKD, "Vertical Limit" had a big jump to no.3, "Comic King" debuted at no.4 and "Pocket Monsters Revelation - Lugia (aka "Pokemon 2000")" landed at no.5. This weekend two Hollywood pictures, Tom Hanks' "Cast Away" and "102 Dalmatians", will join the battle.

- Can you actually believe that Andy Lau's "A Fighter's Blues" is already out on DVD, and it hasn't even end its run in HK theatres yet!! To buy the film: Go Here

- Here's yet another site where you can purchase the Region 3 DVD of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Click Here

- Finally, Ekin Cheng's less-than-spectacular "For Bad Boys Only" is also out on DVD. You can purchase it right here: Just Click

JAPAN

The following was reported by "Pigmon":

First of all, I would like to make a correction and apologize for misspelling the name of Hana Kaze during my review last week.

- Mamoru Oshii's next film will be an anime!!! The pre-production on this film will start soon and I will keep you all posted as more info gets released.

- Here's a look at some of the upcoming Japanese films in 2001:

01. "Satorare", released by Toho and directed by Katsuyuki Motohiro ("Bayside Shakedown"). It will be released in March.

02. "Metropolis"(anime), scripted by Otomo of "Akira"!! The film will be directed by Rintaro and will be released in June.

03. "Minnano Ie"(Everybody's House), directed by Kouki Mitani and releasing in June.

04. "Sen To Senju No Kamikakushi"(anime). Hayao Miyazaki's follow up to "Princess Mononoke" will be released in July.

05. "Akakage - Red Shadow". This hyper Ninja film will be directed by Nakano of "Samurai Fiction" fame and will be released by Toei this coming winter.

06. "Sennenn No Koimonogatari: Hikaru Genji Monogatari (Hikaru Genji Story)" This film comes out in the fall.

07. "Hotaru (Lightbug)" This film, starring Ken Takakura, comes out in the summer.

08. "One Piece: Nejimaki Island"(anime). This film comes out in March.

- Here's this week's Japanese box office: 1. Dancer In The Dark 2. Battle Royal 3. Vertical Limit 4. 13 Days 5. Avalon (yeah!) 6. Dinosaur 7. The 6th Day 8. What Lies Beneath 9. Final Destination 10. Get Carter (HORRIBLE film)

- Here's the results of the Blue Ribbon Awards (kind of like the Golden Globes):

Best Picture - "Battle Royal"

Best Director - Sakamoto Junji for "Kao"

Best Actor - Yuji Oda for "White Out"

Best Actress - Sayuri Yoshinaga for "Nagasaki Pura Pura Bushi"

Best Supporting Actor - Teruyuki Kagawa for "Dokuritsu Syonen Gasshodan"

Best Supporting Actress - Yoshiko Miyazaki for "Ameagaru"

Best New Actor/Actress - Tatsuya Fujiwara for "Battle Royal"

Best Foreign-Language Film - "Dancer In The Dark"

PHILIPPINES

The following was reported by "AznFob55":

- "Balahibong Pusa" (Cat Fur) starring Joyce Jimenez and Rica Peralajo opened with P8 million and makes it another big hit for VIVA Films.

- Megastar Sharon Cuneta, after giving birth to her second child, is returning to the big screen. She is going to team up once again with Robin Padilla, her co-star in the mega hit, "Magin Sino Ka Man". The film has been reported to start shooting in May.

- After "Oki Doki Dok", Aga Muhlach will be returning with another sitcom for ABS-CBN, come February...with who else? His co-star on his upcoming movie, "Narinig Mo Na Ba Ang Latest?" (Have You Heard the Latest?)....Joyce Jimenez. For a new picture of her, Go Here

- The PASADO Awards nominees have been released and this is a list of nominations courtesy of the Manila Bulletin:

For Best Film and Best Director: "Bayaning 3rd World," Mike de Leon; "Anak," Rory Quintos; "Markova: Comfort Gay," Jose Javier Reyes; "Tanging Yaman," Laurice Guillen; and "Dearthrow," Joel Lamangan.

For Best Actor: Ricky Davao ("Azucena"), Cogie Domingo ("Deathrow"), Dolphy ("Markova: Comfort Gay"), Eddie Garcia ("Deathrow") and Dante Rivero ("Azucena").

For Best Actress: Sharon Cuneta ("Minsan Minahal Kita"), Vilma Santos ("Anak"), Alessandra de Rossi ("Azucena"), Lorna Tolentino ("Sugatang Puso"), Maricel Soriano ("Abandonanda"), and Gloria Romero ("Tanging Yaman").

For Best Supporting Actor: Joel Torre ("Bayaning 3rd World"), Baron Geisler ("Anak"), Jericho Rosales ("Tanging Yaman"), Jeffrey Quizon ("Markova: Comfort Gay"), Koko Trinidad ("Lagarista"), and Edu Manzano ("Tanging Yaman").

Best Supporting Actress: Lara Fabregas ("Bayaning Third World"), Claudine Barretto ("Anak"), Angel Aquino ("Laro sa Baga"), Cherrie Pie Picache ("Tanging Yaman"), Cherrie Gil ("Sugatang Puso"), and Hilda Koronel ("Tanging Yaman").

Best Cinematography: "Markova Comfort Gay," "Deathrow," "Biyaheng Langit," "Bayaning Third World," "Lagarista," and "Tanging Yaman."

Best Story: "Tanging Yaman," "Deathrow," "Pangarap Ng Puso," "Sugatang Puso," "Markova, Comfort Gay," and "Anak."

Best Editing: "Markova, Comfort Gay," "Deathrow," "Tanging Yaman," "Anak," and "Pangarap ng Puso."

Best Screenplay: "Markova, Comfort Gay," "Deathrow," "Tanging Yaman," "Pangarap ng Puso," and "Azucena."

- Last but not the least, Philippines welcome its new and 14th President, Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo, as former President Joseph Estrada is now officially impeached. President Arroya was inaugurated the same day as President George W. Bush and both of them are children of former presidents. President Macapagal Arroyo was Former President Clinton's classmate in Georgetown University.

Here's a photo of President Arroyo: Click Here

ANIME

From Scott Green

Korean Theatre Results

According to Kankoku Anime Gekijo ("Korean Anime Theater"), the information page of anime in Korea, http://higher.x-y.net/ Pokemon: the First Movie was released on December the 23rd in Korea and drew audiences totalling 81,500 peopl e in its first weekend in Seoul. It ranked 3rd for the week at the boz office. As of January the 5th, 150,000 people had seen Pokemon in Seoul and 500 000 in all of Korea. Jin-Rph on the other hand was not quite as successful and did not meet pre-release box office expectations. Jin-Roh, opened on December the 9th and closed on the 29th. As of the 17th it had only drawn only 35,000 viewers in in Seoul, and an estimated 50,000 in all of Korea. Nausicaa, released on the 30th, and drew audiences totaling 2 2,000 people in Seoul as of January 5th.

Super Techno Arts and JoJo News

According to a post on Anime on DVD's forum the company Super Tecnho Arts, which is the US branch of APP, is getting ready to release Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure in the US. According to the post, "[...] a DVD release of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure here in the U.S., the rep from Super Techno Arts commented that the series could be released this year during the Summer or Fall on DVD. As of now, they are currently looking at several DVD mastering houses to do the work. Please note that this DVD release date is tentative. The DVD will feature Japanese with English subtitles, and an English dub track." Also mentioned, "[...] extras for the U.S. DVD release of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, and the rep commented that the release could see interviews with the Japanese production staff and the Skywalker Sound production staff, along with animation storyboards. Again, the rep commented that this is all tentative." The intention is to released he DVD is the order of the story, meaning the second series which was recently release in Japan will be released before the first. Jojo's Bizarre adventure is an action/horror series about the generations of the Joestar family. The atmosphere of the manga series differs from chapter to chapter. In the chapter that the OAVs are based on characters gain powers through a symbiotic relations with tarot card based manifestations known as Stands. The report mentioned that the claimed anime anthology Robot Carnival may be released on DVD in the US but plans are tentative. APPP is currently thinking about a second Robot Carnival feature.

Tylor DVD Delay

Right Stuf has announced "Thanks to production delays caused by the winter weather and a problem with one of the soundtracks, the street date for the Tylor DVD Box Sets has slipped to 2/13. Right Stuf regrets any inconvenience this h as caused to our customers, but we would rather delay the release of a title than have it ship with a below our high quality standards. We assure you that the sets will be shipping as soon as they become available."

ZOE OAV Info

Studio Sunrise established their publicity site for Z.O.E. 2167 Idolo, the forthcoming OVA based on Konami's PS2 game Z.O.E. There are story details, character introductions, some odds and ends of sale information , and the finished cover art for the DVD, which looks like it will serve as a sort of prequel to the story told in the game. Their site is Right Here

The story will take place five years prior to the events of the PlayStation 2 game Zone of the Enders, and is centered on the Deimos Incident, a terrorist action by the Mars revolutionaries. During the incident, rebels attacked the United Nations Space Force base on the Martian moon of Deimos and stole one of the original orbital frame prototypes. The orbital frame prototype is shown in several images below, and may carry the Idolo name from the movie's title. Also of note is that one of the female characters that bears a striking resemblance to Viola, the antagonist of the game. Z.O.E. 2167 Idolo will be released in Japan on March 1st on Region 2 DVD and VHS for 5800 yen on either format

FUNimation Acquires Blue Gender

FUNimation has acquired Blue Gender, a more serious series than what they have been known for. Here is how they describe the release "Blue Gender is a science fiction anime. This series contains graphic fighting scenes and is only f or viewers over the age of 13. The Anime International Company (AIC) created Blue Gender. Other popular AIC creations include Ad Police, Bubblegum Crisis, Tenchi Muyo and Ah My Goddess!. The story begins with Yuji, the main character, awakening abruptly t o an earth in peril. Yuji has been frozen for over two decades. A bug-like creature called Blue has taken over the world while Yuji was frozen. Yuji and Marlene, a young heroine who is an extraordinary warrior and pilot, travel through the earth trying to find means to journey into space so they can make it to a second earth where they can safely join other humans. Along the way they interact with other humans and must fight the Blue in order to stay alive. With original looking species, innovative action scenes and compelling character development Blue Gender will have you on the edge of your seat and begging for more. Gen Fukunaga comments on Blue Gender's uniqueness saying, "It is unlike any anime fans in US have seen. Blue's sci-fi flavor is something mature anime fans will want get a taste of." Production will commence soon."

FUNimation of YYH

In an e-mail Gen Fukunaga of FUNimation stated the following about their release of Yu Yu Hakusho:

1. We will keep the original music.

2. We will try to preserve the content of the show but usually the broadcast network dictates how far we can go.

3. The release of tapes/DVD is usually driven by what our retailers tell us we need to create. They are the "800 pound gorilla" in this situation because most of a company's sales come from just a handful of major retail chains.

4. We are trying to get Steve to do the translations. (referring to Steven J. Simmons, translator of the Dragon Ball Z DVDs. An interview with him has been posted by Planet Namek.com at http://www.planetnamek.com/steveinterview.html)

ADV Announces Arc the Lad

ADV has official announced the RPG based Arc the lad for a 3/27. The series will be released in dubbed VHS, and bilingual DVD. The first three episode volume will retail for $19.98 VHS and $29.98 DVD. ADV describes the first volume as "Join Elk, the youngest member of the Hunters Guild, who finds himself propelled into an epic odyssey across a mysterious world in search of the enigmatic outlaw known as Arc The Lad. Together with the mysterious Lieza and the powerful warrior Shu, Elk must defeat a sinister organization that's creating half-human monsters and find his way to Arc, whom Elk believes responsible for the destruction of his village! Mutants and assassins abound in the spectacular premiere volume of Arc The Lad!"

New Miyazaki Protagonist VA Named

According to a post to nausicaa.net's Miyazaki mailing list the voice actress for Chihiro in in "Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi" has been announced to be Rumi Hiiragi. Her most recent role has been on the NHK morning TV novel series "Suzuran".

Anime ONA

A new program named "Lingerie Fighter Papillon Rose" is coming soon on the net. Their web site is http://www5b.biglobe.ne.jp/~novy/ It will have 25 episodes and be distributed(or streamed) on the net from this February. They call it Original Net Anime(ONA).

Trailer is available.

Small: Right Here

Large: Just Click Here

CPM Acquisitions

Central Park Media has acquired the rights to the Angel Sanctuary OVAs. Current plans are to begin releasing the series summer of 2001.The three episode OAV is based on a long running manga series about a boy who is the reincarnation of a fallen angel who is cursed to die outcast and young.

Part II of Tenchi Creator Interview

AIC has posted the second part here of the Tenchi Interview between AIC and Kajishima Masaki. In part two, Mr. Kajishima hints at the upcoming relationships and describes why Tenchi Muyo is the way it is. He also discusses the Galaxy Police, and his upcoming project involving them. Mohoshi's mother, and Aeyka and Sassami's grandmother are expected to show up in Galaxy Police.

Eva Movie Release Details

According one of Anime News Network's readers, here is what Manga has to say about their release of the Evangelion movies "We will have both "Death & Rebirth" and "The End of Evangelion" on DVD and VHS. Extras haven't been determined, but we will have access to everything that's on the Japanese DVDs. I know Anno [the directory/creator]does not believe in 5.1 surround sound, so no 5.1 mix was included on the Japanese DVD."

Tokuma Shoten President Named

Anime News Network reports that according to the 19th issue of Nippon Keizai Shimbun, Tokuma Shoten held the excectives' meeting on the 18th and decided that 62 year old Matsushita Takeyoshi, would replace Yasuyoshi Tokuma as the president of Tokuma Shoten. For more details see http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/article.php?id=87

Bastard on DVD

Pioneer will be releasing the DVD version the six episode OAV "Bastard" on 6/5 for $29.99. The series, based on the manga by Hagiwara Kazushi is an over the top fantasy comedy/adventure about Dark Schneider 400 year old conqueror wizard who is brought back from mystical exile to protect the kingdom who banished him. As the title indicates Dark Schneider was once was a completely immoral being, but as he attempts to defeats or re-recruit his four former generals, he begins to demonstrate that he isn't quite the bastard he used to be. Many of the characters, spells, and kingdoms' are puns on the names of rock, mostly hard rocks, stars, groups, and songs.

Behind the Scenes of Cowboy Bebop the Movies

The official Cowboy Bebop site has posted a number of behinds the scenes information that hint has the movie. The newest edition is title page of the draft script in its evolution to "Knockin' on Heaven's Door". From version 0.82 in March 2000 to the "final decision" the movies subtitles were "Do Some Hard Thinking", "This taste is just out of this world", "LONELY BUTTERFLY", "A BUTTERFLY WAS POISED ABOVE MY HEAD", "SHE FELL EASY PREY TO SWINDLER", FINAL DECISION - "COZMIC BLUES". According to the site the title evolution is a hint to the movie's story. There are also photos of the staff's researching trip to Morocco at here. It is also mentioned that two tracks by Yohko Yanno have already been recorded for the movies.

Upcoming Anime in Japan

AniHabara is listing the following titles for April television releases: Taiho Shichauzo[You're Under Arrest] (TBS) "Saori graduated from high school and became a policewoman at last (This episode is not told at original work). " Koutetsu Tenshi Kurumi 2shiki[Steel Angel Kurumi MkII] (WOWOW) "The stage changes from Taisho period to the present day. Kurumi MkII waked up by Naki, and they make new stories with Saki MkII and Karinka MkII, etc. (directed by Takahashi Naohito) " Hanaukyo Maid-tai[Hanaukyo Maid team] "A highschool student Taro became the head of Hanaukyo family. He fears women so much, though there are many maids in Hanaukyo family. They can't even touch him, but only Mariel can communicate to him. (directed by Ide Yasuki) "

According to the February issue of Animage, six new Anime TV shows and five OAVs are scheduled to be released in Japan by June. The TV shows are: Sister Princess (on-air schedule unfixed), Hajakyosei Dangaio (unfixed), Cold Gehna (unfixed), Bakuten Shoot Baybrade (begins in April at TY Tokyo), Shin-Shirayuki Densetsu Preytia (begins this spring) and Motto Ojamajo Doremi (on Feb the 4th at TV Asahi). The OAVs are , _Alien 9_ part 1 will be released by Bandai Visual in June, Z.O.E.2167IDOLO by Bap on March the 1st, Denshin Mamotte Shugo Getten 5 by Toei on Feb the 23rd, Nekojiru So by King Record on Feb the 21st, and Shin Getta Robo vs. Neo Geta Robo 2 by Bandai Visual on Feb the 25th.

Arjuna Site Opens

The first episode of the new anime series Arjuna aired January 9th on Wowow, and its web site is now online. The site is in Japanese, but it has images of the shots, clips, and its intro. The site can be seen at here. Earth Girl Ajuna is the new anime TV series project written and supervised by Macross creator Shoji Kawamori tells the story of a young girl who sees the future in a dream and then goes about trying to change the world in the present to avoid the future she foresaw. Yoko Kanno will create original music for the series and production is through Bandai Visual. Ajuna is being touted as using state of the art animation production. In the story a girl's encounter with an accident one summer, gives her a vision of a future Earth where she encounters male youth. In this future world mankind has apparently achieved a higher level of awareness where mind resonates with a surrounding "Aura of the Earth". But timelessly there exists those wishing to use power to unjustly manipulate others, and a mecha called "Aura Suit" is used against to fight the attacking forces.

Time Frame For First Gundam on Toonami

Toonami's Sean Akins recently interviewed with Fantasicon Anime, which can be seen at http://www.fantasticon.com/anime/seaninterview-11901.html In his interview he states that Mobile Suit Gundam has been delayed and won't make its intended April launch date. Instead, Sean hopes a late Spring/Early Summer release will occur.

Saiyuki Movie Planned

Anime News Service reports Studio Pierrot is currently producing an Anime movie version of it's highly popular OVA/TV series adaptation of Kazuya Minekura's Genso Maden Saiyuki manga. Saiyuuki tells the Chinese legend of the Monkey King. Humans and demons share a state of peaceful co-existance In the land of Togenkyo, after the attempt of the use of chemistry and magic to resurect Gyumao, a powerful demon who was sealed and buried by Nataku Taishi (one of the five gods who rule heaven), Genjyo Sanzo is called to Shayou Choan Palace. Sanzo, a sanzoboshi (highest ranking monk), is assigned to travel west, investigate the situation, and stop to the resurection. Traveling with him are Son Goku, Sha Gojyo, and Cho Hakkai, whom Sanzo is assigned to work with by Kannong Bosatsu (the goddes of mercy and one of the five gods of heaven). Carrying over to the Movie which is set for a release this year is much of the TV staff. Directing will! be Date Yuto, and the seiyuu cast is composed of many industry veterans: Sanzo - Seki Toshihiko (Duo - Gundam Wing); Hakkai - Ishida Akira (Kaoru - Evangelion); Son Goku - Hoshi Souichiro (Aiba - Ryvius); Sha Gojyo - Hirata Hiroaki (Digimon Adv.)

Darius25 back to say goodbye. Remember, if you have information regarding any film industry in Asia, please contact our Asia-AICN offices . See you all next week.

- Darius25