Library War: The Wings of Revolution
Library War: The Wings of Revolution (Japanese: 図書館戦争 革命のつばさ, Hepburn: Toshokan Sensō: Kakumei no Tsubasa) is a 2012 Japanese animated film adapting Library Revolution, the fourth and final volume of Library War light novel series by Hiro Arikawa, and a sequel to Library War (2008). Produced by Production I.G and distributed by Kadokawa Pictures, the film is directed by Takayuki Hamana from a script written by Kenji Konuta. The film follows the Library Defense Force protecting a novelist, who becomes the target of the Media Betterment Committee due to the resemblance of his book to a recent terror attack.
Library War: The Wings of Revolution | |
---|---|
Kanji | 図書館戦争 革命のつばさ |
Revised Hepburn | Toshokan Sensō: Kakumei no Tsubasa |
Directed by | Takayuki Hamana |
Screenplay by | Kenji Konuta |
Based on | Library Revolution by Hiro Arikawa |
Produced by |
|
Starring | |
Cinematography | Kōji Tanaka |
Edited by |
|
Music by | Yugo Kanno |
Production company | |
Distributed by | Kadokawa Pictures |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 105 minutes[1] |
Country | Japan |
Language | Japanese |
Box office | US$2.63 million[2] |
The anime film adaptation was confirmed in June 2011. Hamana and Konuta joined the staff in December 2011. The voice cast of the anime series confirmed their return to reprise their roles for the film in February 2012, with Issey Ogata and Megumi Han joining them the following month.
Library War: The Wings of Revolution had an early screening in Tokyo on June 5, 2012, and was widely released in Japan on June 16. The film grossed over $2 million at the Japanese box office.
Plot
A terrorist attack has taken place at the Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant, resulting in the swift passage of an anti-terrorism bill that gives the Media Betterment Committee (MBC) and other agencies additional jurisdiction. While on a date, Iku Kasahara and Atsushi Dojo are called back to the Kanto Library Base to protect Kurato Tōma, the author of Nuclear Peril which has a plotline similar to the recent terrorist attack and who is currently a wanted man by the MBC. After purchasing eyewear as part of Tōma's disguise, Kasahara and Dojo encounter Kiyoka Kojima, a bookstore staff who was also saved by Dojo in the past. The Library Defense Force (LDF) files a lawsuit, with Tōma as the plaintiff, against the MBC at the Tokyo District Court. The court rules in favor of the plaintiff, causing the MBC to file an appeal at a high court. One night, members of the Future Library Committee attempt to abduct Tōma but are apprehended by Mikihisa Komaki and Hikaru Tezuka. Asako Shibasaki then tells Hikaru that she is going to deal with his brother Satoshi.
Tōma is moved from the Kanto Library Base to Kazuichi Inamine's estate. Meanwhile, Shibasaki proposes to Satoshi to become the voice of anti-censorship in the National Diet in exchange for her overlooking his recent plot to abduct Tōma. A few days before the high court's verdict on the appeal, MBC agents infiltrate Inamine's estate, but Kasahara and Dojo manage to bring Tōma back to the Kanto Library Base. On the day of the verdict, the high court rules in favor of the appeal, resulting in the lawsuit being brought to the Supreme Court of Japan. During a meeting, Kasahara suggests Tōma seek asylum, which is then approved by the LDF as a last resort if they fail to win the lawsuit.
On the day of the verdict, the Supreme Court rules that Tōma is to be prohibited from writing for five years. Kasahara, Dojo, and other members of the LDF attempt to transport Tōma to the Dutch embassy, but they are blocked by the MBC. Kasahara, Dojo, and Tōma proceed on foot toward the American embassy, during which Dojo gets shot in the leg by an MBC agent. Dojo is brought to Kojima's workplace at the Books Kinokuniya store to recuperate, while Kasahara and Tōma proceed to the consulates found in Osaka. On their way, Tōma tells Kasahara that he is going to write a fairy tale about a troubadour being saved by two bluebirds from oppression to perform music that is not approved by a king.
Kasahara and Tōma arrive near the British Consulate-General, but they are caught by MBC agents. The LDF arrives after receiving Kasahara's coded message about their location, giving her and Tōma time to proceed next to the American consulate, where they are blocked by MBC's huge reinforcements. As the two are about to get caught, a diplomat from the British consulate arrives to save Tōma and accept his asylum after receiving a call from the LDF. The recent incident has garnered the attention of the international community, condemning the Media Betterment Act. One week later, Kasahara visits Dojo in a hospital, where they affirm their love. A year after the revision of the act prohibiting the use of weapons, Kasahara, now married to Dojo, overlooks the recruits in the LDF as their instructor.
Voice cast
- Marina Inoue as Iku Kasahara[3]
- Tomoaki Maeno as Atsushi Dojo[3]
- Miyuki Sawashiro as Asako Shibasaki[3]
- Akira Ishida as Mikihisa Komaki[3]
- Tatsuhisa Suzuki as Hikaru Tezuka[3]
- Kanji Suzumori as Ryusuke Genda[3]
- Haruo Satō as Kazuichi Inamine[4]
- Ryōta Akazawa as Akiya Ogata[4]
- Hiroyuki Yoshino as Satoshi Tezuka[4]
- Rie Tanaka as Maki Orikuchi[4]
- Unshō Ishizuka as Mitsumasa Hikoe[4]
- Yōji Ueda as Takeshi Enoki[4]
- Kana Ueda as Marie Nakazawa[4]
- Megumi Han as Kiyoka Kojima[5]
- Yūsuke Koide as Rikudō Mark Ingram[6]
- Issey Ogata as Kurato Tōma[7]
Production
In June 2011, an anime film based on Library War light novel series by Hiro Arikawa was first reported to be in the works through a pamphlet advertising new releases from Kadokawa Shoten.[8] It would adapt the light novel's fourth and final volume, Library Revolution, after the first three volumes were animated as the 2008 television series Library War.[9] Takayuki Hamana and Kenji Konuta were respectively announced as the director and screenwriter of the film in December 2011, with Production I.G as its animation studio.[10] In February 2012, Kadokawa Pictures listed the film to their slate of works scheduled for release that year, with its title revealed as Library War: The Wings of Revolution.[11] That month, the voice cast of the anime series were set to reprise their roles, including Marina Inoue as Iku Kasahara, Tomoaki Maeno as Atsushi Dojo, Tatsuhisa Suzuki as Hikaru Tezuka, Miyuki Sawashiro as Asako Shibasaki, Akira Ishida as Mikihisa Komaki, and Kanji Suzumori as Ryusuke Genda.[3] The trailer that was released in March 2012 confirmed Issey Ogata and Megumi Han joining the cast,[12] with their respective roles later confirmed as Kurato Tōma and Kiyoka Kojima.[7][5] Additionally, Base Ball Bear lead vocalist Yūsuke Koide was confirmed to be voicing Rikudō Mark Ingram.[6] The voice recording session began by the end of March 2012.[13]
Music
The orchestral recording of the music that would be used for Library War: The Wings of Revolution, led by its composer Yugo Kanno, began in early March 2012.[14] Later that month, Base Ball Bear was revealed to be performing the theme music for the film titled "First Love" (初恋, Hatsukoi).[6] The film's original soundtrack was released by EMI Music Japan on June 13, 2012.[15]
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "Library War: The Wings of Revolution" | 2:48 |
2. | "Censorship" | 3:08 |
3. | "Opening Title" | 1:40 |
4. | "Personal Bodyguard" | 1:09 |
5. | "Author Hunt" | 1:55 |
6. | "Chamomile Flower" | 0:21 |
7. | "Groundless Fear" | 0:16 |
8. | "Bluebird" | 0:51 |
9. | "In Silence" | 1:39 |
10. | "Inamine Residence" | 2:13 |
11. | "Repressive Hand" | 0:51 |
12. | "Enemy Inspection" | 1:35 |
13. | "Hino Nightmare Survivor" | 1:06 |
14. | "The Prince of Memories" | 1:55 |
15. | "Memories of That Day" | 1:06 |
16. | "Please Write Another Great Book!" | 1:16 |
17. | "What the Hell..." | 0:51 |
18. | "Raid on the Inamine Residence" | 4:14 |
19. | "Each Thoughts" | 0:32 |
20. | "Media vs. Betterment Act" | 2:24 |
21. | "Black Shadow" | 0:50 |
22. | "Unprecedented Escape Plan" | 1:09 |
23. | "Execute Operation" | 2:24 |
24. | "At This Rate..." | 1:00 |
25. | "Can I Go from Here Alone?" | 2:32 |
26. | "So Noisy!" | 0:29 |
27. | "The Story of an Old Troubadour" | 1:58 |
28. | "I Promise to Protect You" | 0:43 |
29. | "In Front of the Consulate General" | 0:32 |
30. | "Beyond Midōsuji" | 1:18 |
31. | "Two Determined People" | 1:15 |
32. | "Instructor!" | 1:31 |
33. | "Parting Kiss" | 0:38 |
34. | "Kiyoka's Thoughts" | 0:51 |
35. | "Never Run Away from What You "Like"" | 1:16 |
36. | "First Love (Theatrical Trailer Edit)" | 2:47 |
Total length: | 53:03 |
Marketing
The trailer for Library War: The Wings of Revolution was released on March 9, 2012.[12] By early May 2012, the Japanese black tea brand Nittoh Tea began selling their Daily Club tea bag product with packaging featuring the characters of the film at FamilyMart stores in Japan.[16] By late that month, Books Kinokuniya stores began selling the four Library War light novel volumes with different cover illustrations each featuring different Kinokuniya stores in the background as part of the bookstore chain's collaboration with the film.[17]
Release
Theatrical
Library War: The Wings of Revolution held a preview screening at Kadokawa Cinema Shinjuku in Tokyo on June 5, 2012,[18] and was released in Japan on June 16.[12] The film was screened at the Waterloo Festival for Animated Cinema in Canada on November 17, 2012.[19]
Home media
Library War: The Wings of Revolution was released on Blu-ray and DVD in Japan on January 25, 2013.[20] The Blu-ray special edition is bundled with The Knights of Bluebird (青い鳥の騎士たち), the picture book depicted in the film, written by Arikawa.[21] The film was aired on Wowow on May 3, 2013,[22] and on BS12 TwellV on November 22, 2020.[23]
Reception
Library War: The Wings of Revolution grossed ¥210 million (US$2.63 million) in Japan.[2] In the first two days since its release, the film earned ¥39 million (US$490,079) and debuted tenth place at the box office.[24]
References
- 図書館戦争 革命のつばさ [Library War: The Wings of Revolution]. Eiga.com (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- 2012年日本映画、外国映画業界総決算 日本映画 [2012 Japanese and Foreign Film Industry Roundup (Japanese Films)]. 2013年2月下旬決算特別号 (in Japanese). Kinema Junpo. February 5, 2013. p. 207.
- Hodgkins, Crystalyn (February 10, 2012). "Library War Film's Title, Cast Revealed". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- 図書館戦争 革命のつばさ (2012) [Library War: The Wings of Revolution (2012)]. Allcinema (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
- 映画『図書館戦争 革命のつばさ』完成披露試写会が行われました! [The completion preview of Library War: The Wings of Revolution was held!]. Kinokuniya (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- Base Ball Bear新曲「初恋」が映画「図書館戦争」主題歌に [Base Ball Bear's new song "First Love" is the theme music for the Library War film]. Natalie (in Japanese). March 9, 2012. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- 当麻蔵人役に俳優のイッセー尾形さん! [Actor Issey Ogata as Kurato Tōma!]. Library War: The Wings of Revolution (in Japanese). Kadokawa Corporation. March 13, 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- Lanson, Greg (June 23, 2011). "Toshokan Sensou (Library War) Movie in the Works". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- 井上麻里奈&前野智昭:「図書館戦争」の濃密な記憶「自分の世界を変えてくれた」WOWOWプラスでコメンタリー放送 [Marina Inoue & Tomoaki Maeno: Intense memories of Library War – "It changed my world". Commentary broadcast on WOWOW Plus]. Mantan Web (in Japanese). October 23, 2021. Archived from the original on November 16, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
- Loo, Egan (December 30, 2011). "Library War Film's Staff, Release Listed". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- Makkari, Yūji (February 10, 2012). 「図書館戦争 革命のつばさ」初夏公開 アニメ制作はIGで [Library War: The Wings of Revolution to be released in early summer, animation produced by I.G]. Anime! Anime! (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 17, 2022. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
- Sherman, Jennifer (March 10, 2012). "Library War: The Wings of Revolution Film's Trailer Posted". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- アフレコ収録レポート第1弾 [Post-recording Report No.1]. Library War: The Wings of Revolution (in Japanese). Kadokawa Corporation. April 25, 2012. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
- オーケストラ録音、こんな様子でした [The orchestral recording looked like this]. Library War: The Wings of Revolution (in Japanese). Kadokawa Corporation. March 25, 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- サントラ/映画『図書館戦争 革命のつばさ』オリジナル・サウンドトラック [Soundtrack / Library War: The Wings of Revolution – Original Soundtrack]. Kinokuniya (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- 映画「図書館戦争」が日東紅茶とタイアップ ファミマに限定商品展開 [Library War film tie-up with Nittoh Tea. Limited edition products available at FamilyMart]. Anime! Anime! (in Japanese). April 18, 2012. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- 図書隊が書店と協力 映画「図書館戦争」×紀伊國屋書店 5月下旬スタート [Library Defence Force cooperates with bookstores. Library War film x Bookstore Kinokuniya to start in late May]. Anime! Anime! (in Japanese). May 16, 2012. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
- 映画『図書館戦争 革命のつばさ』試写会プレゼント [Library War: The Wings of Revolution Preview Present]. Akiba Souken (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- Hodgkins, Crystalyn (November 8, 2012). "Waterloo Fest Hosts Tibetan Dog, Hells, Library War Films". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- Loo, Egan (October 12, 2012). "Library War Film Blu-ray to Have English Subs". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- 『図書館戦争 革命のつばさ』Blu-ray&DVD、2013年1月25日(金)発売決定!! [Library War: The Wings of Revolution Blu-ray & DVD to be released on January 25, 2013 (Friday)!]. Library War: The Wings of Revolution (in Japanese). Kadokawa Corporation. October 10, 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- 図書館戦争 [@toshokan_sensou] (May 3, 2013). こんにちは、担当Mです。いよいよ!本日3日の16時から!「図書館戦争 革命のつばさ」がWOWOWにて初放送です。WOWOWが映るみなさん、ぜひ見てくださいね〜 [Hi, I'm M in charge. Finally! Today the 3rd at 4pm! Library War: The Wings of Revolution will be broadcast on WOWOW for the first time. Everyone who can watch WOWOW, please watch it] (Tweet) (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022 – via Twitter.
- 井上麻里奈・前野智昭 出演の劇場版アニメ『図書館戦争 革命のつばさ』、BS12「日曜アニメ劇場」にて11/22放送 [Library War: The Wings of Revolution starring Marina Inoue and Tomoaki Maeno to air on BS12's "Sunday Animation Theatre" on 11/22]. Spice (in Japanese). November 16, 2020. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- Mibu, Tomohiro (June 19, 2012). 戦う白雪姫がトップ初登場!『愛と誠』を押さえて『図書館戦争』がベストテン入り! [Fighting Snow White makes her first appearance at the top! Library War made the top ten, ahead of Ai to Makoto!]. Cinema Today (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
External links
- Library War: The Wings of Revolution at Kadokawa Corporation (in Japanese)
- Library War: The Wings of Revolution (film) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
- Library War: The Wings of Revolution at IMDb