The story follows Akane, a girl with no self-confidence. On the day before her birthday, she meets a mysterious alchemist, Hippocrates, and his student, Pipo, who both tell her they're on a mission to save the world. Together, they set out from the basement for "Wonderland," and Akane finds herself labelled Wonderland's savior.
Cinematography
Every frame looks like a watercolor you want to steal.
Production
Studio Ponoc flexing Ghibli pedigree without the soul.
Director
Keiichi Hara
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on 1988 children's novel 'Strange Journey from the Basement' by Sachiko Kashiwaba—her stories also inspired Spirited Away's bathhouse energy.
Keiichi Hara directed Colorful and Miss Hokusai; here he's visibly constrained by Studio Ponoc's desperate need to be the next Ghibli rather than their own thing.
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Reactions from the web
I've watched all their movies so far, I will grab a ticket for this as well.
@AlexKensington 14
So glad this is getting a US release! Been waiting anxiously to see it ever since I first heard of it earlier this year.
@seanmyster6 7
This looks great. I'm so proud of Ilya Kuvshinov. Also, so many cats!
@Dwaaayy 40
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