The Journey (2021 film)

The Journey[lower-alpha 1] is a Japanese–Saudi Arabian animated film directed by Kōbun Shizuno, written by Atsuhiro Tomioka and co-produced by Toei Animation and Manga Productions.[1][2] The film revolves around a potter named Aus who joins a battle to defend his home city.[3] The film was released in Japan on June 25, 2021.[4]

The Journey
Arabicالرحلة
Japaneseジャーニー 太古アラビア半島での奇跡と戦いの物語
HepburnJāni Taiko Arabia Hantо̄ de no Kiseki to Tatakai no Monogatari
LiterallyJourney: The Story of Miracles and Battles on the Ancient Arabian Penninsula
Directed byKōbun Shizuno
Screenplay byAtsuhiro Tomioka
Produced byNao Hirasawa
Cinematography
  • Takeo Ogiwara
  • Yo Izumitsui
Edited byMasao Yoshitake
Music byKaoru Wada
Production
companies
Distributed byToei Animation (Japan)
Release date
  • June 25, 2021 (2021-06-25) (Japan)
Running time
110 minutes
Countries
  • Japan
  • Saudi Arabia
Languages
  • Arabic
  • Japanese
Budget$10–15 million

Premise

"As a ruthless invader threatens to enslave their people and destroy the Kaaba, a sacred sanctuary, the people of Mecca take up arms. Only able to muster a small force against the massive army, defeat seems all but inevitable. Aus, a seemingly simple potter fighting to protect his family, is forced to reveal his dark past when he discovers amongst the defenders a long-lost friend believed to be dead - a warrior named Zurara. As fear threatens to break their resolve, Aus' strength of faith compels him to stand and fight. Aus battles his own doubts and fears as he tries to unite his friends and compatriots on the eve of battle. Abraha's army is fast approaching, and the fate of Mecca and its people hangs in the balance. Will the people of Mecca defeat the colossal army with nothing but their simple defenses and their love for their city?"

Cast

Arabic cast
  • Nassar Al-Nassar
  • Abdo Chahine
  • Rasha Rizk[3]

Japanese voice cast

Production

The Journey, which was based on Saudi folklore, is a joint collaboration which began in November 2017 between two animation studios; Manga Productions of Saudi Arabia and Toei Animation of Japan. This film is the second animated work made by Manga in collaboration with Toei; with the first being animated series Future’s Folktales. The Journey was directed by Kōbun Shizuno with Atsuhiro Tomioka providing the screenplay. The character design for the film was done by Tatsuro Iwamoto and musical score was by Kaoru Wada. Production work for The Journey was done both in Tokyo and Riyadh. The film project's cost ranges from $10–15 million.[1] The film finished production by February 2020.[5]

Release

Arabic release

The Journey was originally planned to make its premiere in 2020 at the Cannes Film Festival which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film is scheduled to release in 2021.[2] VOX Cinemas has theatrical rights for the film in the Middle East and North Africa region.[2] The film is released in Arabic.[3]

Japanese release

Toei subsidiary T-Joy had the distribution rights for the film in Japan,[2] and later distributed by Toei Animation. The film was released in Japanese theaters on June 25, 2021.[4]

Notes
  1. (Arabic: الرحلة), (Japanese: ジャーニー 太古アラビア半島での奇跡と戦いの物語 (Jāni Taiko Arabia Hantо̄ de no Kiseki to Tatakai no Monogatari, lit. Journey: The Story of Miracles and Battles of the Ancient Arabian Penninsula))

References
  1. Vivarelli, Nick (24 February 2020). "Saudi Animation Feature 'The Journey' Secures Distribution in MENA and Japan". Variety. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  2. Mateo, Alex (2 March 2021). "Saudi Arabia's Manga Productions, Toei Preview The Journey Film's Japanese Cast in Trailer". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  3. "Promo released for joint Saudi-Japanese anime 'The Journey'". Arab News. 2 March 2021. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  4. Mateo, Alex (2021-04-09). "Saudi Arabia's Manga Productions, Toei to Open The Journey Film in Japan on June 25". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
  5. Mateo, Alex (6 February 2020). "Saudi Arabia's Manga Productions, Toei Animation Finish The Journey Film". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
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