Netflix Brings "Her Blue Sky" to Global Audiences: A Dive Into the Heartfelt Anime Film
Netflix continues its streak of expanding its anime library with the addition of "Her Blue Sky," an original film by the renowned creative team Super Peace Busters. Known for their impactful works like "anohana" and "Anthem of the Heart," the team brings another beautifully crafted story to the screen. This film is now available for audiences worldwide, streaming in Japanese with English subtitles and a newly produced English dub.
Table of Contents
Exploring the Story of "Her Blue Sky"
"Her Blue Sky" (Sora no Aosa o Shiru Hito yo) is set in a quaint town nestled in the mountains. The narrative revolves around Aoi Aioi, a second-year high school student and aspiring musician, and her sister Akane Aioi. It also features Akane’s ex-boyfriend, struggling guitarist Shinnosuke Kanomura, and Shinno, a mysterious character who turns out to be Shinnosuke from 13 years ago, traveling through time to the present.
© 2019 Sora Ao Project
Aoi and Akane’s life takes a significant turn after the tragic demise of their parents 13 years prior. Akane sacrifices her dream of moving to Tokyo with Shinnosuke to care for Aoi, instilling a sense of indebtedness in Aoi towards her sister. The plot thickens as a famous enka singer, Dankichi, invites Aoi to perform at a music festival. Simultaneously, Shinnosuke’s unexpected return to their hometown and Shinno’s mystical appearance set the stage for Aoi’s newfound love and self-discovery.
A Stellar Voice Cast and Creative Team
The film features a talented voice cast that breathes life into its characters:
- Miya Kodama as Aoi Aioi
- Felecia Angelle as young Aoi
- Anthony Ma as Shinno
- Edward Hong as Shinnosuke
- Anne Yatco as Akane Aoi
- Geri Courtney-Austein as Chika Otaki
- Brent Mukai as Masamichi Nakamura
- Maya Aoki Tuttle as Masatsugu Nakamura
- Ronald M. Banks as Dankichi Nitobe
At the helm of "Her Blue Sky" is the acclaimed Super Peace Busters creative team, with Tatsuyuki Nagai directing, Mari Okada writing, and Masayoshi Tanaka contributing the character designs and serving as the chief animation director. The film’s captivating animation is handled by CloverWorks, further ensuring that the visual storytelling matches the emotional depth of the narrative. Producers Hiroyuki Shimizu and Genki Kawamura, known for works like "anohana," "The Anthem of the Heart," "your name," and "Mirai," add their expertise to bring the film to life.
Transition from Screen to Print
In addition to the film, "Her Blue Sky" was adapted into a manga series by Yaeko Ninagawa. The manga debuted on Comic Newtype in July 2019 and concluded in January 2021. This adaptation offers fans an alternative medium to explore the intricate story and deepen their connection with the characters.
Super Peace Busters’ New Project: "Fureru."
Continuing their creative journey, the Super Peace Busters team also recently introduced "Fureru.," a new original anime film that made its debut in Japan on October 4. This film showcases the talents of nine cast members from the team’s previous works, "anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day," "The Anthem of the Heart," and "Her Blue Sky," thus expanding the universe that fans have come to love.
Final Thoughts
"Her Blue Sky" is more than just an anime film; it is a poignant exploration of family bonds, personal dreams, and the bittersweet nature of love and sacrifice. With its rich storytelling, captivating animation, and an unforgettable soundtrack, this film continues to cement the Super Peace Busters’ legacy as masters of emotional storytelling in anime. Whether you’re a long-time fan of their previous works or a newcomer to their unique world, "Her Blue Sky" promises a heartfelt experience that resonates long after the credits roll. To explore the film, you can visit Netflix and enjoy this journey of love, music, and self-discovery.
