Get ready to experience the live-action sequel to the beloved Aoi Hiiragi manga, Whisper of the Heart (Mimi o Sumaseba), in a few select theatres in New York and Los Angeles! On Friday, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the world of this beloved story in a whole new way. And if you can’t make it to the theatre, don’t worry! On June 20th, you’ll be able to enjoy the movie from the comfort of your own home with video-on-demand access.
Capelight Pictures, the Berlin distributor, has even provided an English-subtitled trailer so you can get a sneak peek before the big day. Originally slated to open on September 18, 2020, the release of the live-action film was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the movie was pushed to October 14, 2022. The film is crafted under the visionary direction of Yūichirō Hirakawa. The silver screen masterpiece is set to be unleashed by the powerhouse duo of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Shochiku.
With a track record of delivering stunning live-action adaptations of popular works such as The Promised Neverland, Rookies, and Dake ga Inai Machi, Hirakawa is no stranger to captivating audiences. The soul-stirring theme song, a haunting rendition of “Tsubasa o Kudasai” by Michio Yamagami, is beautifully performed by the talented Anne Watanabe. Get ready to be swept away by this visually stunning film.
Whisper of the Heart Sequal Star Cast
In “Whisper of the Heart,” Nana Seino is portraying the character of Shizuku Tsukishima, whereas Tori Matsuzaka is playing Seiji Amasawa. Nana Seino is greatly known for her live-action roles in movies like Kyou Kara Ore Wa, Nowhere Girl, After the Rain, and Tokyo Films. She has been phenomenal in all of the roles she has played.
Tori Matsuzaka is also known for his dynamic performance in movies like Top Secret, Hello World, Gatchaman and Hack the Movie. Apart from Nana and Tori, Runa Yasuhara is also there in a supporting role, he will bring the youthful charm of Seiji and Shizuku in middle school, along with his partner Tsubasa Nakagawa, respectively. The cast of The Wisher of the Heart is completely solid and action-packed.
In the story of Shizuku’s childhood, the character of Tatsuya Sugimura is brought to life by Yuki Yamada. Tatsuya, a fellow member of the baseball team, has developed a secret crush on Shizuku. As Shizuku’s best friend Yūko Harada, Rio Uchida shines on screen.
The middle school days of Sugimura and Yūko are portrayed through the characters of Towa Araki and Sara Sumitomo, showing the love triangle between Shizuku, Tatsuya, and Yūko. The youthful, playful energy of middle school is captured in every scene.
Whisper of the Heart Movie Storyline
It’s been a decade since the events of the original manga, and now a new movie begins. Shizuku, once a promising novelist, hung up her pen at the young age of 24. But she hasn’t lost her passion for books. As a children’s book editor at a publishing house, she pours her energy into selling every page. Despite the growing distance between her and Seiji, he remains steadfast in his dream of living overseas, always chasing his aspirations.
Shizuku, a greedy reader in junior high, stumbles upon Seiji Amasawa, the grandson of an unknown antique supplier, by chance. As she explores deeper into Seiji’s life, she discovers his burning passion for crafting violins. Which ignites a spark within her to pursue her dream of becoming a novelist.
Her curiosity was offended when she noticed his name repeatedly appearing on the library checkout cards for the books she borrows. Inspired by Seiji’s dedication, Shizuku sets out on her journey of self-discovery. This heartwarming story, based on the original manga, was brought to life by the talented Yoshifumi Kondō and Studio Ghibli in their 1995 animated picture.
In 1989, Hiiragi brought forth a new tale to the world through Ribon, a publication known for its shojo manga produced by Shueisha. With a flourish of her pen, Mimi o Sumaseba: Shiawase Na Jikan, a sequel manga by Hiiragi, and Baron: The Cat Returns, a spinoff, both emerged in 1995 and 2002, respectively.
The English edition of Baron: The Cat Returns was graced with the touch of Viz Media, who brought it to life for a wider audience. And just as a cat gracefully leaps, Studio Ghibli and Hiroyuki Morita were inspired to create a movie adaptation of this comic, with the same fluid movements and visual brilliance that only a cat could bring.
