Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- has relinquished its reign at the Japanese box office after a successful two-week run. The compilation film, preluding the upcoming TV series, has been overtaken by the live-action drama 366-nichi. Meanwhile, the new anime film adaptation of The Rose of Versailles made its debut, landing in ninth place.
Gundam’s Fall From Grace
After holding the number one spot for two consecutive weeks, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- has moved to second place in its third weekend. Despite the drop, the film has achieved significant success, grossing over $12.47 million USD (1,935,716,409 yen) with 1,186,791 tickets sold in its first 17 days (January 17 – February 2). In its second weekend alone, the film brought in approximately $1.75 million USD.
A Compilation’s Triumph
Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- is a compilation film, condensing the first three episodes of the forthcoming Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX TV series into a single cinematic experience. This approach mirrors recent successful anime releases like Demon Slayer, Solo Leveling, and Bocchi The Rock. The film’s strong performance underscores the enduring popularity of the Gundam franchise in Japan.
The Anno Factor
Adding to the film’s notability is the involvement of Hideaki Anno, the creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion, a series often considered a major rival to Gundam in the mecha genre. Anno’s participation has generated considerable buzz and speculation about the potential psychological depth of the new Gundam series.
North American Release on the Horizon
For fans outside of Japan, Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- is slated for a North American release on February 28th. This offers Western audiences a chance to experience the beginning of the new Gundam universe on the big screen. The Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX TV series is expected to debut later this spring, further expanding the franchise.
The Rose of Versailles Makes a Modest Debut
The new anime film adaptation of The Rose of Versailles opened in ninth place at the Japanese box office. While the debut position may seem low, it’s important to note that the film opened in only 156 theaters.
A Classic Reimagined
The Rose of Versailles, also known as Versailles no Bara, is a remake of the beloved series that first premiered in 1973. The story revolves around Lady Oscar, a female military commander serving during the French Revolution. The new film is directed by Ai Yoshimura, with writing credits attributed to Riyoko Ikeda and Tomoko Konparu. The voice cast includes Miyuki Sawashiro, Takuya Eguchi, and Banjo Ginga.
Western Release Uncertainty
As of now, there is no confirmed date for a Western release of The Rose of Versailles anime film. International fans will need to await further announcements regarding distribution plans.
The Bigger Picture: Anime at the Box Office
The performance of both Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- and The Rose of Versailles highlights the strength and diversity of the anime film industry in Japan. From established franchises to reimagined classics, anime continues to draw audiences and generate significant revenue.
Gundam‘s Enduring Legacy
The Gundam franchise, which began in the 1970s, has maintained its relevance through continuous exploration of its storylines and the creation of new universes connected by the iconic mech suits. Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom has also seen recent success. The franchise’s ability to adapt and innovate has solidified its place as a cornerstone of Japanese animation.
Rose of Versailles‘ Enduring Appeal
The Rose of Versailles, with its blend of historical drama, romance, and shojo elements, has captivated audiences for decades. The new film adaptation aims to introduce the story to a new generation while satisfying longtime fans of the series.
Box Office Dynamics
The Japanese box office is a dynamic environment, with a mix of domestic and international films vying for the top spots. The success of 366-nichi in overtaking Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- demonstrates the unpredictable nature of audience preferences.
The Rise of Live-Action
The fact that a live-action drama surpassed a major anime release underscores the continued popularity of live-action films in Japan. While anime holds a significant share of the market, live-action productions remain a strong competitor.
Theater Count Matters
The limited release of The Rose of Versailles in only 156 theaters likely contributed to its ninth-place debut. A wider release could potentially boost its box office performance in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
As Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- continues its theatrical run and prepares for its North American release, and as The Rose of Versailles settles into its place in the box office landscape, the anime film industry remains a vibrant and evolving force in Japanese entertainment. The coming months will reveal the long-term success of these films and the impact they have on their respective franchises.
