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Helen Mirren thinks there should be more movies about real women who have operated as Secret Service agents, instead of adding a female James Bond to that particular cinematic universe.

“The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism,” she told The Standard in an interview published Thursday.

“Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service, they always have been,” she continued. “And very brave. If you hear about what women did in the French Resistance, they’re amazingly, unbelievably courageous. So I would tell real stories about extraordinary women who’ve worked in that world.”

Mirren plays a mob wife in the Paramount+ series “MobLand” to her husband portrayed by former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, who knows a thing or two about crime-related stories. The duo previously co-starred in the movie “The Long Good Friday” in 1990.

“I was...

Paradise, a thriller starring Sterling K. Brown, has been renewed for a second season on Hulu, and series creator Dan Fogelman has given fans a promising update.

Filming for Season 2 of Paradise has officially begun, as confirmed by Fogelman in a recent post on X. "We’re baaaaaaack," he announced, less than a month after the Season 1 finale premiered.

We’re baaaaaaack. #Paradise#S2pic.twitter.com/h6VdNP3Fu1— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) March 28, 2025

Fogelman hopes to have Paradise's sophomore season ready for viewers sometime next year, telling Deadline, "I’m becoming increasingly frustrated with shows that are off the air for a very long time in which people get invested in and then it takes a long time to get it back on television. We’re ready to go right now and hoping to get this show back on TV in a normal span of time, hopefully...

When you hear the name Studio Ghibli, you can’t help but envision those gorgeous hand-drawn animations, fantastical worlds, and tales that truly pull at your heartstrings. Founded by the incredible Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the studio has been a staple of animated films for decades, providing us with such classics as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and My Neighbor Totoro.

Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo is the only Ghibli short live-action film. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

However, what many fans don’t realize is that Studio Ghibli has already dipped its toes into live-action filmmaking. Unlike the grand two-hour animated epics for which the studio is known, this venture into live-action is a mere nine minutes long. It’s called Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo, and it’s a completely different setting than one would associate with Ghibli, offering a terrifying vision of destruction that feels more...

The names Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli are known far and wide, both within the anime community and the world of mainstream animation. From the studio's highly recognizable animation style to the poignant themes underlying every film, there's something about Studio Ghibli that captures the attention of anime-lovers and keeps them enthralled from start to finish. To call Studio Ghibli ingenious is definitely not beyond the realm of reality, and many of the hidden details within their anime movies serve to reaffirm it.

Whether a diehard otaku or someone who just knows a good anime movie when they see one, it's Studio Ghibli's attention to detail that makes their every movie standout. It doesn't matter if they are smash-bang hits or not, every one of their movies stands heads above many of the others in the industry, and their continued popularity proves that. To call the studio "genius" is not farfetched,...

Anime dubbing has evolved a lot in the last 30 years. Localization has gotten a lot better, along with the translations and script writing, which means the dubbing has also gotten more advanced as time has gone on. This is a really good thing, as the days of Speed Racer are long passed. Anime dubbing has also had a mixed reputation for a very, very long time, despite the many strides that have been made in that arena. In fact, many dub artists in anime these days are celebrities in their own right, coming out to the screams of adoring fans at conventions across the world.

There is something fun about having a recognizable celebrity pop up in anime. Playing the "wait, I know that voice!" game with one's friends can be a lot of fun, and sliding down that IMDb rabbit hole can be more than a little gratifying. Hollywood...

Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki films are treasured gems in the anime community. Even film enthusiasts love the collection enough to get further into more animated materials. Hayao Miyazaki’s works definitely strengthened the reputation of animation in the industry.

Kiki’s Delivery Service. [Credit: Studio Ghibli]

Kiki’s Delivery Service is one of the most nostalgic and beloved films Hayao Miyazaki has directed. From the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery to the feel-good vibes of the film, there’s nothing fans don’t love about it. However, the ending left us with little closure and major heartache.

Jiji, Kiki’s familiar, talks to her throughout the film. The two had an understanding of each other that no one else did. However, by the end of the film when she regains her powers, he can only meow at her, indicating she grew up. The English dubbing, on the other hand, doesn’t include this ending.

In modern days, anime has reached the heights of mainstream popularity as one of the cornerstones of global pop culture. From Demon Slayer to Solo Leveling, anime has been continuously producing some of the most narratively gripping and technically impressive exemplars of animation in media, the industry’s modern landscape being nothing short of awe-inspiring.

However, to find some of the medium’s most outstanding works, one has to turn their attention to the past – namely, the 1980s. The '80s have long been considered to be anime’s golden age. The anime gems of the ‘80s were largely responsible for popularizing anime worldwide, including classics like Akira and Kiki's Delivery Service that are still revered as timeless to this day. Yet, fans might be pleasantly surprised by just how many of the ‘80s history-defining anime still hold up today, their ageless appeal withstanding against the passage of time.

RelatedEvery Isekai Anime From the 1980s,...

Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli feels like a warm hug to its viewers. Whether one is fond of watching anime or not, they can never say that they are not into Ghibli movies. With a meaningful plot, bewitching animation, and lovable characters that leave a lasting impression on its viewers, his work makes people want to live in fictional worlds.

A still from My Neighbor Totoro. Credits: Studio Ghibli

Over the years, several titles have been released, like Princess Mononoke, Porco Rosso, My Neighbor Totoro, and so many more. Though the films are targeted towards a young audience, they have deeply resonated with adults, as the meaningful themes tend to resonate with viewers not just in Japan but around the world.

Thus, making Ghibli widely popular around the world. Part of the studio’s success goes to the celebrities who have dubbed the characters. One such instance would be how...

Image Source: Amazon When it was released in 2006, The Sentinel was considered to be a disappointment at the box office. In spite of an ensemble cast that included Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Eva Longoria, Kim Basinger, and Blair Brown, the film earned less than $40 million at the U.S. box office and less than $80 million worldwide. Over time, though, home video and streaming have given viewers another chance to watch the film, and many have discovered what Douglas told us way back when the film was released: He believes The Sentinel is the most accurate movie ever made about what it’s like to be in America’s Secret Service. (Click on the media bar below to hear Michael Douglas.) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Michael_Douglas_Sential_.mp3

The Sentinel is streaming on Prime Video and available for purchase on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms, including Amazon and...

After a stellar second season and ending, The Night Agent season 3 is already in the works, but it might be missing one of the two main characters from the first season of the series.

In an interview with Deadline, Luciane Buchanan, who stars as Rose Larkin, revealed that she doesn't know if Rose will be part of season 3. She obviously wasn't going to spoil anything, but that's definitely concerning for Rose fans.

Spoilers ahead for The Night Agent season 2 finale!

Here's what Buchanan told Deadline when she asked about possibily returning for season 3:

"I have no idea, and I can’t spoil anything. I wish I could tell you, but Peter does say ‘No, don’t come looking for me,’ and I don’t think Rose takes well to direction; she does whatever she wants. So you never, never know."

Buchanan wasn't the only person who hinted that Rose...

NYC Weekend Watch is our weekly round-up of repertory offerings.

Roxy Cinema

Fat City screens on 35mm this Sunday, as does a 16mm puppets program; restorations of Santa Sangre and Amadeus play Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Museum of Modern Art

A major highlight of any filmgoing year, To Save and Project continues, with Anthony Mann’s Jimmy Stewart-starring Bend of the River screening Friday.

Film Forum

AI: From Metropolis to Ex Machina continues, featuring a rare 35mm showing of Thx 1138, Gog in 3D, and RoboCop; The Iron Giant screens on Sunday.

IFC Center

The classic rock doc Dig! returns with an extended recut; a Donald Sutherland retrospective continues; Seven, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Battle Royale, and The Lost Boys show late.

Anthology Film Archives

Blackout 1973 features films by Sembène, Mambéty and more; Essential Cinema hosts two Georges Méliès programs.

Museum of the Moving Image

See It Big! Let It...

Before developing The Living Daylights as Timothy Dalton’s James Bond debut, Eon almost made Dalton’s first Bond movie as a prequel to Dr. No that would fill in 007’s origin story. Every Bond movie goes through a few different iterations before Eon arrives at the final product. They always go through several script drafts and they’ll sometimes develop multiple scripts that go unproduced. But there are even more iterations than usual when the producers are rebooting the series with a new Bond actor.

Hiring a new Bond actor is a chance to reinvent the franchise. It’s an opportunity to figure out what didn’t work about the previous incarnation and rectify it. After Dalton’s Bond movies were criticized for being too dark, Pierce Brosnan’s Bond movies lightened up the tone. After Brosnan’s Bond movies were criticized for being too far-fetched, Daniel Craig’s...

Studio Ghibli has been hailed as one of the most important names in the anime industry for many decades. Their movies perfectly blend moving stories, charming characters, and stunning animation. The world of anime would not be the same without the unforgettable adventures that the talented artists of this beloved studio have gifted audiences.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of their best films, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Studio Ghibli has teamed up with the creator of the incredible Spy x Family franchise, Tatsuya Endo. The author of Anya’s adventures uploaded an illustration of the titular witch flying on her broom, in his unique art style, causing much joy among fans.

Tatsuya Endo Gave Kiki an Amazing Makeover The Famous Witch Looks Like a Character From Spy X Family å¤§å¤‰å…‰æ „ãªã“ã¨ã«ã€ã€Žé”女ã®å®…急便ã€40周年è...

The legendary director and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki is known for crafting films that resonate across age groups and cultures. His works, such as My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, and Kiki’s Delivery Service, often explore themes of growth, environmentalism, and human connection. However, with his groundbreaking movie, Spirited Away, Miyazaki set out to do something entirely unconventional: rebel against the prevailing trends in anime culture.

The transformation of her parents catalyzed Chihiro’s growth | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Released in 2001, the story of Spirited Away follows a 10-year-old girl, Chihiro’s journey of self-discovery and resilience in a fantastical world; subverting the traditional coming-of-age storylines that are often dominated by external validation or romantic undertones. This movie became monumental in anime history, which still serves as a rebellion against the genre’s norms and a display of inner strength and authenticity.

The premise of Spirited Away...

The mobile game Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete offers plenty of options for customization and creation, and one player used them to their best potential to recreate an iconic scene from the Studio Ghibli film Kiki's Delivery Service. One famous image from the film shows Kiki, a young witch, flying above her coastal town on a broomstick with her black cat, Jiji, clutching her mail bag.

The Animal Crossing recreation comes courtesy of Reddit user Happycat40, and shows the player character dressed in a blue outfit that resembles Kiki's dress, with Jiji included in the custom design pattern. The character is also shown flying on a broomstick over a small island, representing the town from the movie.

I’ve always wanted to recreate this scenebyu/Happycat40 inACPocketCamp

According to Happycat40, it took them a year to develop this level of skill at creating scenes in the game, and the Kiki's...

The official website for the live-action adaptation project based on Kaiji Kawaguchi's political-military manga The Silent Service announced today that its second theatrical film is set to release in Japan on September 26, 2025 . The subtitle for the second movie is "Hokkyokukai Daikaisen," which is translated to "The Great Sea Battle of The Arctic Ocean." On the website, a teaser visual — depicting Yamato diving into the deep sea between the icebergs with the Northern Lights in the sky — and a behind-the-scenes clip showing the filming that took place from August to October were also released. Kawaguchi's original manga was serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Morning magazine from 1988 to 1996, then compiled in 32 tankobon volumes with a total circulation of 32 million copies (paper and digital). As Amazon Studios' first Japanese theatrical film, the first live-action project's feature film released in Japan on September 29, 2023, earning 1.37 billion yen (9.02 million Usd) from its total domestic run.

In the realm of animation, Hayao Miyazaki’s status is similar to that of a legend. From My Neighbor Totoro to Kiki’s Delivery Service, his films have often been celebrated for their ability to appeal to audiences of all ages. Yet, in 1992, Miyazaki embarked on a project that was, by his own admission, an outlier; a deeply personal and idiosyncratic film titled Porco Rosso.

Porco Rosso (1992) | Credit: Studio Ghibli

However, Miyazaki was anything but optimistic about its prospects. Not only was he cynical about its success but he was also quite disturbed when he found out that Porco Rosso was well-received by people worldwide. Despite his reservations, Porco Rosso defied expectations, grossing $1.4 million worldwide and becoming one of the biggest successes of his career at the time.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Reflection on Porco Rosso

In a 1993 interview with Animerica conducted by Takashi Oshiguchi, Hayao Miyazaki candidly revealed what his...

In the recent years, we have seen some content about domestic workers in Asia, with two episodes in “Food Lore” series for example, highlighting the concept, along with a number of documentaries that have been circulating the festival circuit. Vietnamese Nguyen Duy Anh comes up with his own version on the subject, through a film that manages to appear as sci-fi, despite the fact that it is not at all.

A Cleaning Service won the Shorts Award at the Alternativa Film Awards

The story of the 18-minute short revolves around an early morning radio program, featuring female technology domestic workers. One of them, Ms Lai, is a trainer, explaining the nature of her work and that of cleaners in general, while another, Nguyen Kieu Anh, an expert in aromas, is welcomed to divulge a formula for a soothing steam bath. While they talk, we also watch segments from the everyday lives of domestic workers.

People might be crazy over My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, and Kiki’s Delivery Service now but Studio Ghibli hasn’t always been so popular in the USA. In fact, the road to fame was filled with thorns for Hayao Miyazaki.

While the American audience was impressed with Miyazaki’s more children-friendly movies, they did not like his films that were made for an older audience. One movie in particular jarred the US viewers and shocked them awake to what Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli actually stand for.

The American Audience Was Not Ready for One Hayao Miyazaki Movie My Neighbour Totoro | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Ghibli’s venture into the USA began when The Walt Disney Company made a landmark deal with the studio in 1996. Disney wanted to be the sole distributor of Ghibli’s movie catalog. Previously, many studios who approached Ghibli were rejected, and there were two reasons why...

Out of all the Bond girls, only a few have come close to capturing the heart of the elusive James Bond. What began in the early 1960s as a novel adaptation has transformed into a world-renowned film franchise centered on the gentleman spy James Bond and his ability to seduce women at the drop of a hat. However, Bond is not always as impartial as he appears, and he has also fallen for several women over the years.

As Bond 26 nears and the search for the next Bond girl continues, there are already several iconic Bond girls to seek inspiration from. As every James Bond actor has put their own spin on their movies, so has the female counterparts they've had. The James Bond franchise has evolved over the years to feature a variety of well-written female characters, but each Bond actor also has one woman who stands out among...

The master filmmaker behind films like Your Name, Weathering With You, and Garden of Words, Makoto Shinkai has once again caught the attention of the whole world with his latest movie, Suzume no Tojimari, released in 2022. The success of this film is enough proof that cemented Makoto Shinkai’s status as a modern anime legend.

Suzume from the Suzume no Tojimari film | Credits: Comix Wave Films

As a consequence of his popularity, Shinkai also receives comparisons to the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. Although this might sound like a great honor, it actually is. Aside from his respect for Miyazaki, Makoto Shinkai does not like being compared to him. Despite that, Shinkai unexpectedly paid homage to Miyazaki films in Suzume which only true Miyazaki fans would be able to notice.

Suzume Has a Wild Easter Egg, Connecting to One of The Most Popular Hayao Miyazaki Films Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service...

Les Arcs Film Festival’s industry programme has selected eight emerging directors for its Talent Village initiative running December 14-17, and has named Hungarian director Ildikó Enyedi as its 2024 ambassador.

The Talent Village, consisting of workshops and meetings, is designed to help the directors move from short to feature-length projects and engage with industry professionals before joining the Coproduction Village market.

This year’s class of rising talents, who have all made short films that have played at leading festivals, includes Norway’s Ivar Aase, Poland’s Michal Edelman, Lithuania’s Lukas Kacinauskas and Eglé Razumaité, Spain’s Anna Llargués,...

With Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War anime, Tite Kubo is working with the production team to improve one of the weakest arcs of the series. The primary problems with the final arc were the rushed pacing and unfair treatment of many characters with minimal screen time. The new anime explores the characters better and enriches the fight sequences with spectacular visuals. One character who benefitted the most from the increased screen time was Chōjirō Sasakibe.

Chōjirō Sasakibe | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

There’s a stark disparity between the information we have about him and his feats in the story. Moreover, there are some inconsistencies with his character arc. Sasakibe failed to live up to the authoritative position he held in the Bleach world. For the same reason, many fans believe that he was a disappointing character overall.

Chōjirō Sasakibe’s Legend and How He Failed as a Character Sasakibe’s...

Anime husbandos are male characters that fans adore and find attractive. They may even think that they have qualities that make them husband material. They may be kind or genteel or charming, or they're just so good-looking that fans are more than willing to look past red flags, which is understandable.

Some anime husbandos are known for being incredibly well-built. They're strong, not necessarily in the sense of their moral character, but they may be able to send Muscle Man Randy Savage running for the hills. Some have a caricature-level musculature, and some have more of a sleeper build that animators only really lean into in certain key instances.

Lihaku Is The Apothecary Diaries' Bonafide Himbo The Military Official Uses His Physique to Win a Courtesan's Heart

Lihaku comes to Maomao for help in The Apothecary Diaries when he's in love with a courtesan that she's close with. Maomao knows that the prestigious courtesan,...

Although Korean dramas are heavy with tropes and cliches, one thing is for certain: they tell a beautiful story of friendship and love. Known mostly for their love stories, Korean dramas examine love in a variety of different genres. There are love stories in fantasy settings, love stories in science fiction settings, and love stories in thrillers. It's hard not to find a good love story in K-dramas.

Recently, Studio Ghibli's official store restocked an old favorite for My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service and Spirited Away fans. Donguri Sora's "Swinging Roly-Poly" toy collection has made a comeback, providing Ghibli lovers with a fun and wholesome way to enjoy their favorite characters.

As detailed on Donguri Sora's website, the swinging roly-poly figure collection features toys that, if rocked or tilted, will rise back up, making it seem as if they are "dancing" in place. The Totoro subset includes one small, one medium and one large Totoro. As a fun callback to the movie, the large Totoro holds an umbrella while the other two carry leaves. Jiji, who hails from the 1989 classic Kiki's Delivery Service, is depicted inside a cute coffee mug that appears in the film. Spirited Away's No-Face holds a cup of tea -- a reference to a memorable sequence that takes place near the story's climax.

Fans of Studio Ghibli, especially those who love the charm and whimsy of Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away, and Kiki's Delivery Service, will soon have a new anime to fall in love with. The upcoming Once Upon A Witch's Death promises to be a magical and heartwarming adventure with beautiful visuals and a deeply emotional story. It is set to follow an apprentice witch named Meg, and will capture the hearts of viewers with its bittersweet premise and Ghibli-like aesthetic.

Meg's story begins when her teacher informs her that she only has one year left to live because of a mysterious death curse. There is only one way to break the curse, by collecting tears of joy and growing the seed of life. Along the way, Meg will encounter strange fantastical creatures, make unlikely friendships, and learn about her own heart, creating a story that fans of Ghibli's magical words are sure to love.

Amanda Tapping will direct the first two episodes of Ripple on Hallmark+[Image @reallivsmum on Instagram]

After Hallmark Movies Now was rebranded as Hallmark+ several new series and original movies have been announced. The latest is a one-hour drama series, Ripple, created by Michele Giannusa. Hailing from Lionsgate TV, Ripple relates to human beings and how unexpectedly we are connected. Read on to find out more about the new, original series coming to Hallmark+.

Hallmark+ orders new drama series, Ripple

According to Deadline, the series is set in New York City, where Nate, Kris, Walter and Aria have crossed paths hundreds of times. However, they have never actually met. Due to the seemingly minuscule decisions these four people make, the pilot episode will reveal the ripple effect of how these strangers – all dealing with life’s challenges in their own way – and led to one another.

[Image @reallivsmum on Instagram]

According to Hallmark+, “The message of this...

Next week, the second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, a prequel series set thousands of years before The Lord of the Rings story most of us know, will premiere on Prime Video. Not to be undone, Warner Bros. Discovery is readying its own Lord of the Rings prequel thing: The War of the Rohirrim, a movie set some 200 years before Frodo went on his journey to Mount Doom.

In this movie, we'll check in on Rohan during the reign of Helm Hammerhand, voiced by none other than Succession's Brian Cox. Wulf (Luke Pasqualino), the leader of the Dunlendings, approaches Rohan with an offer of an alliance, but really he's just trying to climb the ladder and amass power. War breaks out, and Helm Hammerhand and his daughter Hèra (Gaia Wise) must do what they can to win it.

Wbd just released a trailer. Watch below!

In 1988, Studio Ghibli charmed audiences around the world with the adventures of the titular forest spirit from My Neighbor Totoro and his multi-limbed feline companion, Catbus. In honor of the famous duo, Studio Ghibli's online storefront has re-released its popular "Go! Catbus" toy, which allows fans to recreate scenes featuring the two anime icons.

As featured on Donguri Sora, Ghibli's "Go! Catbus" toy features a cute replica of the Catbus and a small Pvc Totoro figure. Standing roughly 7.6 inches high and 11.8 inches long, the Catbus has mechanical legs that move when it is pushed. The roof can also be removed, allowing Totoro to be placed inside the Catbus' hollow body, either toward the head or in the center of the body. Official images, which are included below, showcase Totoro "waving" at the viewer from the front windows.

Related Studio Ghibli's Stunning Zippo Collection Returns With New Designs for Totoro, Nausicaa...

For the titular heroine of Studio Ghibli's iconic classic, Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), her magical journey would not have been possible without her trusty broomstick. Now, Kiki fans once again have the chance to purchase the real-life version from Ghibli's official online store.

Donguri Sora recently reintroduced its anime-accurate replica of Kiki's broomstick to its expansive digital catalog. As shown below, the broom handle is crafted from light-colored bamboo wood, with Kiki's famous red bow tied in the center. Additionally, the section where the bristles meet the wood is covered with black cloth bearing Kiki's work insignia. Unlike conventional broomsticks, Kiki's broom is only about 900 mm (or 35.4 inches) long, making it short but also more convenient for display purposes. According to the site description, it is designed to be placed within a windowsill or hung from a wall. Including tax, the current retail price is 5,500 yen (US$37.51).

Related Studio Ghibli...

Radio Margaritaville (Ch. 24) celebrates Jimmy Buffett with a countdown of songs he wrote or co-wrote!

You voted, and now it’s time to enjoy “The Jimmy Buffett Top 100” countdown, available to stream on the SiriusXM app now and premiering on-air August 30 at 8am Et.

Jimmy Buffett Top 100Stream the full countdown nowListen on the App

Listen on the App

Jimmy Buffett Songs

Here are the possible song choices for “The Jimmy Buffett Top 100” countdown:

(I Feel Like Going) Surfing in a Hurricane

15 Cuban Minutes

A Lot to Drink About

A Mile High in Denver

A Pirate Looks at Forty

Ace

African Friend

Ain’t He a Genuis

Altered Boy

Autour Du Rocher

Baby’s Gone Shoppin’

Ballad of Skip Wiley

Bank of Bad Habits

Barometer Soup

Barefoot Children

Beach House on the Moon

Beautiful Swimmers

Bend A Little

Beyond the End

Big Top

Blue Heaven Rendezvous

Bob Robert’s Society...

Kiki is a determined young witch with modest skills, aiming to start a delivery service in a new town. Each new character Kiki meets enriches her life with valuable lessons. Balancing hard work with rest is a vital lesson Kiki learns while coming into her own as a young witch.

Kiki's Delivery Service is a classic Studio Ghibli film based on the children's novel of the same name by Eiko Kadono. It follows a young witch coming of age, following a witch's tradition by leaving her home and taking up shop in a new town as the resident witch. Kiki is a plucky hero who doesn't have as many skills as other witches, but she's determined to make the most of what skills she has.

Kiki meets many new people in her new seaside town, from the friendly bakery owner named Osono and her husband, Fukuo, to the introverted painter named Ursula.

In Studio Ghibli's iconic 1989 fantasy film, Kiki's Delivery Service, the titular heroine famously sets out with nothing more than a cat, a broomstick, a radio and a small shoulder bag. Recently, Studio Ghibli's online shop reintroduced its popular leather replica of Kiki's famous bag to its expansive digital catalog.

Donguri Sora is Japan's official purveyor of licensed Ghibli merchandise. Released in collaboration with brand partner Benelic, Donguri Closet's exclusive "Kiki's Journey" shoulder bag is directly inspired by its cinematic counterpart. The "himeji" leather exterior is a pale orange color with a glossy finish. The sole design difference from the film version is visible in the bottom left corner, which contains a cute motif of Kiki flying on her broomstick. Notably, this is the same design used for Kiki's business sign in the movie. Additionally, there are words on the shoulder strap that read "Miss Witch" -- a subtle nod to Kiki's friend Tombo,...

In Wonderland, technology bridges the gap between life and death. An app service, aptly named Wonderland allows you to stay in contact with your loved ones, even after they’ve passed away. The surreal concept comes to life through multiple touching stories in the latest Netflix film, which is not just a film about the possibilities of AI and technology; but also a deeply humane story about love, loss, and grief. One such story is that of Bai-li, who suffered from a terminal illness that led her to death. But the virtual version of her is desperate to connect with her young daughter, Jia. Unaware of her mother’s passing, Jia clings to the hope of having Bae Li back in her life. Even in her afterlife, workaholic Bae Li is torn between her ambitions and her love for her daughter. The Wonderland Service becomes a medium for her to...

Studio Ghibli's fantasy masterpiece, 1989's Kiki's Delivery Service, is one of the company's most popular animated films. Now, Ghibli's official online storefront has reintroduced a popular piece of merchandise inspired by a sequence starring the movie's beloved feline icon, Jiji.

Donguri Sora recently replenished its stock of "Kiki's Delivery Service Basket Trays" -- an elegant item from the site's exclusive Donguri Closet collection. Specifically geared toward adult women, this collection offers dozens of useful household products that serve both decorative and practical purposes. As detailed in its site description, Donguri Sora's official Kiki basket, which resembles the birdcage that Kiki delivers in the story, can be used as a "soap holder," an "accessory stand" or a place to "display mascots," among almost any other use. Standing roughly 4.3 inches high and 3 inches wide, it can be used to comfortably house small anime plush toys and figurines, making it a great...

One of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved titles, Princess Mononoke, returns to theaters for five nights only later this month.

“Tickets are on sale now for master director Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke, which returns to theaters in July for 5 nights of screenings nationwide. Coming off the blockbuster theatrical release, and triumphant Oscar win for the director’s latest feature, The Boy and the Heron, Gkids and Fathom are thrilled to continue the 2024 edition of Studio Ghibli Fest with the celebrated filmmaker’s epic feature. Audiences can look forward to Studio Ghibli Fest 2024’s biggest slate of films to date with a 14-title lineup, and upcoming anniversary celebrations including Howl’s Moving Castle’s 20th Anniversary, Kiki’s Delivery Service’s 25th Anniversary, and Pom Poko’s 30th Anniversary. The film will be shown in both original Japanese and English dubbed versions. In addition to the full feature, screenings will include...

Hollywood star Eddie Murphy, who recently reprised his role as Axel Foley in the fourth installment in the Beverly Hills Cop film series, had a childhood marked by the tragic death of his father, who passed away when he was just 8 years old.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F | Credit: Netflix

The actor has admitted that while he didn’t remember much about his father, Charles Edward Murphy, he was aware of the circumstances surrounding his death, attributing it to what he described as the ‘Murphy charm.’

Eddie Murphy Reflected on His Father’s Tragic Death

In a 1989 interview with Rolling Stone, the Beverly Hills Cop star Eddie Murphy discussed his distant memories of his father and the tragic circumstances of his passing. “I have very dim memories,” he said, noting that he was very young when his father passed away.

Eddie Murphy in Mr. Church | Credit: Cinelou Films

“My...

Henry Cavill has long been a fan favorite pick to play James Bond, but the ship for that possibility may have sailed. For some fans, the closest they'll ever get is the 2015 film The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and they'll soon get a chance to stream it.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is coming to Netflix for streaming on July 27. The feature film is based on the original television series from the 1960s, which was worked on by James Bond creator Ian Fleming. On Her Majesty's Secret Service star and former James Bond actor George Lazenby even had a cameo in the spy series' reunion TV film released in 1983, shown driving 007's trademark Aston Martin DB5.

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Studio Ghibli fans searching for their next piece of home decor need look no further. The studio's official online shop is once again offering a gorgeous antique-style mirror inspired by Ghibli's coming-of-age classic, Kiki's Delivery Service.

Donguri Sora, which offers hundreds of novelty and lifestyle products based on Ghibli's popular works, has just re-released its Kiki-themed "Window of Thought" Mirror -- a beautiful store-original product that pays loving tribute to the iconic fantasy film. Standing roughly 8.2 inches tall and 5.5 inches wide, the mirror features a colorful stained-glass design set inside a faux-wood frame. A cute model of Jiji, Kiki's faithful feline companion, sits on the "sill" while peering at his reflection. Observant fans will also note that one of the objects beside him is the same cat-themed coffee mug owned by Kiki's friend in the film, Osono. At the time of writing, Donguri Sora is selling the mirror for 5,940 yen...

TikTok is awash in warnings that young men in the U.S. could soon be drafted into military service and panicked reactions to that prospect — but all of it is predicated on a misinterpretation of a bill currently making its way through Congress.

For generations, American men have been federally required to register with the Selective Service System once they turn 18, making them eligible for the military draft. Presently, the U.S. maintains all-volunteer armed forces, and the most recent Selective Service conscription came to an end in 1973 as the...

As summer approaches, Studio Ghibli is rapidly replenishing its stock of popular seasonal products. Recently, Ghibli's official online storefront, Donguri Sora, reintroduced a stylish Hawaiian clothing line inspired by My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989).

Originally released in 2020, Donguri Sora's My Neighbor Totoro Acorn Leaf Hawaiian Shirt and Skirt set is a gorgeously-designed tribute to Hayao Miyazaki's beloved family film. Notably, this is one of the few products in the Ghibli catalog that highlights Totoro's smaller lookalikes. Both the shirt and skirt showcase a vibrant pattern of acorn leaves, and the small and medium-sized Totoros can be seen peeking out from behind them in various places. Kiki's Delivery Service's "Koriko's Memories" Hawaiian Shirt and Skirt combo replaces Totoro's woodsy vibe with the bustling aura of Koriko's, Kiki's beachside home away from home. The design consists of picturesque areas of the town in addition to memorable moments from the film,...

Kiki's Delivery Service and My Neighbor Totoro are two of Studio Ghibli's most iconic cinematic properties to date. As summer approaches, the critically acclaimed animation company has unveiled a special treat for the franchises' fans: a brand-new tableware collection that allows users to kick back on a hot summer day with a refreshing drink.

Studio Ghibli's online storefront, Donguri Sora, recently added a new Totoro-themed tea pot to its expansive digital catalog. The adorable pot, which also comes with a handy tea strainer, is decked out with cute decals of small, medium and large-sized Totoro. It is also moderately compact, allowing it to be easily stored inside a refrigerator for later use. After brewing their favorite variety of tea, fans can then take it on the go using Ghibli's new Totoro and Kiki-themed bottles. While there are a myriad of similar items on Donguri Sora, these particular bottles are also heat-resistant,...

John Mulaney thinks he might be dead. That’s the only way he can explain how he wound up taking David Letterman on a tour of his life.

In a new standalone special of David Letterman’s Netflix interview series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, Letterman interviewed Mulaney before a live audience. The wide-ranging conversation covered Mulaney’s addiction and recovery, his experiences as a new father, and the moments that inspired him to be a comedian.

Now Mulaney is revealing what it was like to be Letterman’s guest of honor. “I have this weird theory…” he said during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last night. “I sometimes think, ‘Did I die a couple years ago, and this is a weird, nice heaven where David Letterman wants to hang out with me?”

Mulaney has worked with Letterman before. In 2016, they both were part of the lineup at A Celebration of Service,...

Totoro and Jiji are two of the most recognizable icons in Studio Ghibli's roster. Now, the renowned animation studio is selling new home decor items featuring these beloved characters.

Ghibli's online storefront, Donguri Sora, recently released two new treasures on its digital catalog: "360-degree diorama boxes" based on the films My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service. The Totoro box features the iconic forest spirit and his smaller companions huddled around a small pink boot owned by Mei, one of Totoro's young protagonists. As shown below, the little girl's name is inscribed in Japanese on the inside of the boot. According to the product description, the diorama represents, "Totoro and his friends playing around after finding Mei-chan's boots in the rain." The Kiki-themed box features Jiji and one of his kittens huddled around Kiki's pink delivery bag. It also comes with an additional accessory -- the party invitation that...

Studio Ghibli has released new child-size towels for the summer. Taking inspiration from two hit classics, My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service, the towels are officially tagged as "perfect for the pool or the sea★."

The official Studio Ghibli store Donguri Sora has released two new child-size towels: the "My Neighbor Totoro - Totoro and Watermelon Junior Bath Towel" and the "Kiki's Delivery Service Fruit and Jiji Junior Bath Towel." They each retail for 1,100 yen and can be bought by overseas fans through proxy shipping services. Both are 100% cotton, measure 40 x 110 cm, come with snap buttons, and are described as being made from "a natural material with excellent moisture-wicking properties! The outer material is shirred and has a comfortable smooth texture. It feels nice against your skin♪." Readers can check out images of the newly released merchandise, featuring summer motifs such as watermelon, strawberries and flowers, below.

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Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron will find a new streaming home on Netflix as part of a landmark deal.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix will not only be adding Miyazaki’s latest film to its offerings but also 22 additional Studio Ghibli films. However, the deal is only for distribution outside the U.S. and Japan, as Max has secured the streaming rights for The Boy and the Heron and all other Ghibli movies within the U.S.

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Studio Ghibli has unveiled a brand-new line of bento lunch boxes inspired by two of its most beloved films.

Donguri Sora, Ghibli's official online storefront, has released four new bento boxes; two inspired by My Neighbor Totoro and two based on Kiki's Delivery Service. The pink and purple bento boxes respectively feature illustrations of Kiki and her trusty feline familiar, Jiji. The green bento box sports an image of Totoro, Ghibli's official mascot, with his famous umbrella, while the yellow box features an illustration of Totoro and his smaller spirit companions enjoying a meal together. The products are all microwave and freezer-safe. Each bento box is sold individually, with prices ranging between 1,100 and 1,298 yen (roughly US$7.49-$8.83).

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Filipino actress Jaclyn Jose, best known for her role in Brillante Mendoza’s indie feature Ma’ Rosa, which nabbed her the Best Actress gong at Cannes, has died. Jose — who was born Mary Jane Guck — was 60.

Jose’s reps at Ppl Entertainment confirmed the news with a statement on their Instagram account, stating the actress died “on the morning of March 2, 2024, due to myocardial infarction or a heart attack.”

“We would like to thank everyone who has extended their prayers and condolences thus far. As our family is trying to come to terms with this unfortunate incident, please provide us the respect and privacy to grieve,” the statement said. “We hope this will put all speculations to rest.”

Jose’s daughter Andi Eigenmann, an actress best known for working predominantly in the Philippines, shared a statement alongside Ppl Entertainment’s announcement.

“Her undeniable legacy will definitely forever live on through her work,...

Studio Ghibli has some of the best romance arcs. Hayao Miyazaki doesn't think romance is required to make a good story, but all the Ghibli characters are so well-written that the love stories there are will always feel authentic and lovely. There are many ways for a character to reveal their feelings, through sincere speeches, by making sacrifices or by knitting a person into their lives.

Some Ghibli romances are epic, with dramatic love confessions. Others are more subtle with telling looks and sincere, near-unspoken, feeling. The writers and animators trust the audience, telling all sorts of romances and ways of expressing long-held promises and the first blush of young love.

Related 10 Most Romantic Anime Characters, Ranked From Usui's teasing in Maid Sama! to Kudo's chivalry in My Happy Marriage, several anime characters are true romantics. Jiji's Head Over Heels for a Pretty Neighbor Cat in Kiki's Delivery...