Exploring "Paris ni Saku Étoile": A Tale of Dreams and Determination
The realm of anime is abuzz with excitement as the official website for L'étoile de Paris en fleur unveiled a 90-second trailer for this original film directed by the renowned Gorō Taniguchi and produced by Arvo Animation. The trailer offers a glimpse into the enchanting world of the movie, accompanied by the captivating theme song "Kaze ni Noru" (Ride the Wind) performed by the talented band Ryokuō-shoku Shakai.
Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century hardships, the narrative of "Paris ni Saku Étoile" follows the intertwined destinies of two young Japanese girls, Fujiko and Chizuru. As they aspire to reach for the stars—symbolized by the term 'étoile'—their paths converge first in Yokohama, where Fujiko dreams of becoming a painter, and Chizuru finds herself drawn into the world of ballet. Subsequently, a twist of fate reunites them in Paris, where they embark on a journey to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
The film, slated to premiere on March 13, boasts a stellar cast bringing these characters to life. Ami Tōma and Lina Arashi shine as Fujiko and Chizuru, with Taichi Saotome portraying Ruslan. Notable additions to the cast include Mugi Kadowaki as the strict ballet instructor Olga, Kenjirō Tsuda as Fujiko's brother's friend Shōichi Yajima, and a plethora of talented individuals who lend their voices to various characters, enriching the tapestry of this compelling tale.
In a harmonious collaboration, Gorō Taniguchi spearheads the direction of the film at Arvo Animation, while Katsuya Kondō, well-known for his work on Ghibli films like "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Ponyo," contributes his expertise by designing the original characters for this project. The script, penned by Reiko Yoshida of "Violet Evergarden" fame, is brought to life through the animation adaptation of Kondō's designs by Yū Yamashita. Elevating the emotional resonance of the narrative is the evocative musical score composed by Takayuki Hattori, known for his work on impactful series like "Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin."
Not stopping at the film adaptation, Zerihan launched a manga version of "Paris ni Saku Étoile" in Kodansha's Afternoon magazine, offering fans a deeper dive into the intricacies of the story. This multi-faceted approach adds layers to the narrative, engaging audiences across different mediums and captivating them with the essence of the tale.
As the anime world eagerly anticipates the release of "Paris ni Saku Étoile," the fusion of talent, vision, and storytelling promises an immersive cinematic experience that celebrates the pursuit of dreams amidst adversity. Stay tuned for more updates as the film's premiere approaches, and immerse yourself in a world where the stars are within reach for those who dare to dream.
Sources: L'étoile de Paris en fleur film's website, Comic Natalie