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Quick LinksIs 'The Gorge' More Romance or Action?Why Should Viewers Be Excited About 'The Gorge'?

As the season of love quickly approaches, a brand-new romantic action thriller is heading to Apple TV+ just in time for Valentine’s Day. Written by Zach Dean and directed by Scott Derrickson, The Gorgefollows two elite snipers who each agree to a new and covert mission for very different reasons. Taken to an undisclosed location, they are tasked with guarding opposite sides of a vast and foggy gorge.

However, their main objective isn’t to keep anyone from entering the area. Rather, they must ensure that nothing inside the gorge is able to escape. Without knowing the extent of what lies in its depths, Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy) toil away every day, ensuring nothing inside the gorge makes it past their defenses. Assigned to watch over...

Quick LinksMy Bloody Valentine 3D, ExplainedWhat Was My Bloody Valentine 2 Going to Be About?

One of the most popular slasher films is 1981's My Bloody Valentine. That movie focused on a slasher named Harry Warden, who went on a murderous spree in a small town, Valentine Bluffs, after surviving a mining accident. He hated Valentine's Day, as two supervisors neglected his team at the mine in an act that led to the accident. As fate had it, Warden wasn't the killer years later as he was dead.

The slasher, aptly nicknamed the Miner, was one of the survivors of his rampage. This character, Axel, was traumatized from watching Warden murder his father, so he became a killer to process his pain. Interestingly, Lionsgate bought the rights to the project and created My Bloody Valentine 3D in 2009. Unfortunately, despite doing well at the box office and developing a cult following, there...

This February, Crunchyroll will help anime lovers prepare for Valentine's Day with its limited-time "Lovestruck Loot" sale. For a two-week window, the Crunchyroll Store will offer discounted merchandise from several popular franchises, including Ouran High School Host Club, Spy x Family, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Sasaki and Miyano and many more.

A Crunchyroll press release outlined the contents of the sales, which offers discounts of up to 30% off select Blu-ray DVD sets, manga, apparel and anime figurines. One of the sale's highlights is Gem's "Loid and Yor Palm-size (With Gift)" figure set, which features the adult married leads of Spy x Family. The two are depicted in casual sitting poses, giving the impression that they are relaxing together when set side-by-side. From Feb. 4-15, Spy x Family fans will be able to get their hands on the figure set for the slashed price of $97.76. Additionally, the price tag for the Figuarts "Mission Complete!

In a new interview, Wendy Williams spoke with her niece, Alex Finnie, and The Breakfast Club podcast about her current living conditions. Alex said she flew to New Jersey to see her aunt, but her conservator, Sabrina Morrissey, wouldn’t allow her to see her. She could only call her, so they set up the interview so Wendy could tell the side of the story.

While they are scared that Sabrina will retaliate and punish Williams, they want Wendy to speak out about the situation. This includes her crying that Sabrina took away her beloved cats without her consent.

Wendy Williams Has Cats Given Away By Conservator

Wendy Williams talked about a myriad of topics in the interview. She mostly spoke about how she had been locked away in a facility. Wendy said she has been isolated and kept from her family and friends. She also said she had her...

Manhua are comics published in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Although similar in origin to the Japanese manga, each of these comics has a unique approach, art style, and theme. With the booming popularity of Japanese manga, the Korean manhwa and the Chinese manhua have also experienced a resurgence in popularity. This is mostly due to them adapting to digital technologies and publishing webtoons or digital comics.

As the popularity of East Asian comics rose, they started spanning out into various genres. Boys' Love (or Bl) is a genre that has made a deep impression on all sectors of the entertainment industry, with some even getting live-action adaptations like Given and Cherry Blossoms After Winter. Hence, there are some excellent Bl manhua that have made a home in fans' hearts.

Updated on January 10th, 2025 by Chelsea Steele: Danmei, or Bl manhua, has become quite popular in recent years inside the Boys' Love fandom.

This article contains mention of suicide.

Boys' Love — also known as "Bl" or "Yaoi" — is a unique genre of anime that focuses on romantic relationships between two male characters. Though it's a niche part of anime as a whole, Bl has always been popular among certain groups. With the normalization of LGBTQ+ representation in anime, the genre has become more popular than ever and has even hit the mainstream in some cases.

Bl has a notorious reputation for many, due to its often problematic depiction of queer couples. Luckily, many modern titles portray much healthier relationship stories, such as titles like Given or Sasaki and Miyano. However, that doesn't mean there aren't any great old Bl stories as well. Either way, the genre is full of wonderful titles that newcomers are sure to enjoy.

Updated on December 22nd, 2024 by Chelsea Steele: Boys' Love has always been a niche genre of anime,...

While films may seem effortless on screen, only those involved in the process know what goes into making the hours-long projects. While things may go smoothly on one set, other times it can be total chaos. Jamie Foxx knows what we are talking about. Back in 1999, Jamie Foxx starred in the sports drama film, Any Given Sunday. There, he worked alongside his hero, LL Cool J, and let’s just say that things got out of hand pretty quickly.

Jamie Foxx in Any Given Sunday (1999) | Credits: Warner Bros.

The two actors got into a heated mess one fine day and ended up engaging in an intense fistfight. As far as Jamie Foxx is concerned, though, everyone was fighting on the set of Any Given Sunday. The actor openly talked about his brawl with the Deep Blue Sea actor and recalled how they messed each other up and how, luckily, he...

Romance is one of the biggest and most popular genres of fiction. Hundreds of new romance novels, shows, movies, and games arrive on shelves and screens every year. Naturally, anime is no exception, as every season tends to feature at least one new romance-focused anime series. However, in recent years, some romance anime fans have started to argue that the genre has become stale and that no modern romance anime can live up to the genre's classics. Other fans have argued that the opposite is true, that modern romance anime is superior to older shows. But which side is correct?

A big issue that puts many fans off classic romance anime is its use of outdated or problematic tropes. One of the most common examples of this was shows focusing on relationships that many viewers may find inappropriate. For example, 2013's Brothers Conflict sees a girl pursued by her 13 stepbrothers,...

Former ESPN NBA insider Adrian “Woj” Wojnarowski, who retired from the sports channel in September to become general manager of the men’s basketball program at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure, has revealed that his departure from ESPN followed a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

The disclosure came in an interview with Sports Illustrated‘s Chris Mannix. Wojnarowski said the diagnosis of early-stage cancer was made in March and that the cancer is “pretty limited in scope.” Although he has suffered no symptoms, he continues to undergo quarterly checkups.

“When you hear, you think about it going through your body like Pac-Man,” Wojnarowski says in the interview. “Prostate cancer, it generally stays confined to your prostate and is typically slow-growing.”

Wojnarowski did not rule out the possibility of future surgery and said that ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro was “great but added that “the only reason to stay was the money.

The news that Jessie T. Usher’s A-Train will return in The Boys season 5 is great for both the character himself and the show as a whole. The Boys season 5's story is tough to predict after the many twists and turns of its most recent outings. The Boys season 4’s finale left Victoria Neuman dead and Butcher more powerful than ever, but even his new powers would be no match for the unholy alliance of President Calhoun and Homelander. Despite defeating Neuman, Butcher inadvertently left Homelander and Sage in a stronger position than ever.

Related The Boys' 8 Celebrity Cameos, Ranked

From Jimmy Fallon to Charlize Theron, The Boys has garnered a reputation for its hilarious and memorable celebrity cameos in each season.

Given Ryan’s The Boys season 5 villain arc, Homelander’s new political capital, and how much time he spent helping out the Boys as a double agent,...

When it comes to the greatest years in film, 1999 is tough to beat. Personally, I remember it as the year which made me serious about the art of film, as I was just finishing high school at the time, and had begun to go see movies on my own more often. This was the year I got to see movies like Three Kings, Fight Club, Being John Malkovich, The Insider, Magnolia, Any Given Sunday and so many more theatrically, and it’s a year I’ll always look back at fondly.

What’s interesting to me is which movies have had the most staying power. If you were around back then, you’ll remember that the most anticipated movie of the year was Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. While a hit, it was totally overshadowed by The Matrix, which came out on Easter Weekend that year, and...

In a new bombshell statement, Fairy Tail's official English-language voice actor of Fairy Tail's Gajeel, David Wald, says he has quit working with Crunchyroll and will expose its "numerous abuses" in an upcoming release.

Via his official X (formerly Twitter), voice actor David Wald announced on Nov. 11 that he has quit working with Crunchyroll and will not return as Gajeel in the streamer's English dub of Fairy Tail. He said in a post, "Friends, I am not returning to #Gajeel in #FairyTail. I am not returning to the @Crunchyroll studio. Their abuses are Far too numerous to list here. But soon, I will tell you all of them, and I will do that here [Twitch account]. Stay tuned."

Related Crunchyroll & Funimation Involved in Over 45 Million Copyright URL Takedown Requests

Representatives of the major anime streaming services Crunchyroll and Funimation are among the most active in issuing copyright takedown requests.

Fairy Tail...

A top boys' love anime franchise is shattering previous box office records for the series with its latest entry. Given Movie 3: To the Sea, which opened theatrically in Japan on Sept. 20, 2024, has now earned over 300 million yen (~US$2 million) in box office sales, marking it as the saga's highest-grossing film to date.

The Given series is a mainstay in the boys' love genre, which has experienced a popularity boom thanks to titles like Given earning attention and high praise both domestically and internationally. Via Animate Times, To the Sea quickly climbed to the top of Filmarks "First Day Satisfaction Ranking" and has now held the no. 1 spot in Japans mini-theater rankings for seven consecutive weeks. The movie continues its exploration into the blossoming romantic relationships of the young men making up the films focal fictional band.

Related Iconic Bl Anime Heaven Official's Blessing Gets Worldwide Hairpin Release for an...

Even Given the Worthless “Appraiser” Class, I'm Actually the Strongest – an upcoming TV anime based on the series of fantasy light novels – has revealed a new trailer, a piece of key art (below), and three new cast members. The series will broadcast in Japan beginning on January 9, 2025. Even Given the Worthless “Appraiser” Class, I'm Actually the Strongest TV Anime Trailer The new cast members include: Kurohime voiced by Minami Tsuda Alice voiced by Kana Ichinose Akabane voiced by Aimi Kurohime Alice Akabane The original Even Given the Worthless “Appraiser” Class, I'm Actually the Strongest light novels are written by Ibarakino, illustrated by Yu Hitaki, and published in Japan by Kodansha under their K Light Novel Books imprint, and a manga adaptation with artwork by Morohoshi Fuji is also serialized on the “Maga Pocke” (“Magazine Pocket”) digital manga app. Kodansha Comics publishes an English language version of the manga. At the time of this writing,...

Secret Level, the highly anticipated Prime Video series that has captured the attention of both movie enthusiasts and gamers, has finally unveiled its star-studded cast, which includes some of Hollywood's biggest names, from Keanu Reeves (John Wick) to Arnold Schwarzenegger (The Terminator franchise). Announced at Gamescom on August 20, 2024, the adult-animated anthology series will unfold over fifteen episodes.

During New York Comic Con 2024, Prime Video confirmed the official cast of the animated series, which will premiere on the streaming service on December 10, 2024, with new episodes airing weekly until January 28, 2025. You'll find the complete list of official cast members below:

Cast Members

What They're Known For

Keanu Reeves

John Wick

Arnold Schwarzenegger

The Terminator

Ariana Greenblatt

Barbie

Kevin Hart

Jumanji

Gabriel Luna

The Last of Us

Emily Swallow

The Mandalorian

Temuera Morrison

The Book of Boba Fett

Patrick Schwarzenegger

The White Lotus

Ricky Whittle

American Gods

Merle Dandridge

The Last of Us...

Heaven Official's Blessing, also known as Tian Guan Ci Fu, is an incredibly crafted story of love and redemption, with mesmerizing art and dynamic characters to satisfy everyone from new queer romance fans to seasoned Bl readers. It also has the value of breaking another toxic Bl romance stereotype. Beginning as a web novel (since published) written by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, it has been adapted into both a manhua (comic) and donghua (anime), both being produced by Bilibili. The anime has released its second season with announcements for a third expected to be forthcoming.

The novel is a delight for any fantasy reader, and the anime is an adaptation so faithful it rivals its main characters' devotion. Ethereal artwork and an elegant score make the entire experience of watching Heaven Official's Blessing all the more immersive, bringing the viewer into this impossibly refined and yet darkly complex world of ascended gods.

Years later, Kevin Smith reflects optimistically on Jersey Girl. Jersey Girl is a 2004 film written and directed by Smith, that chronicles the story of a widower who has to take care of his young daughter and work on his life and career following a tragedy. Ben Affleck plays the lead role of Ollie Trinke in Jersey Girl, with a supporting cast that includes Liv Tyler, Raquel Castro, Betty Aberlin, and Paulie Litt.

Twenty years after the release of Jersey Girl, Smith discusses the film in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.

The director said that "Jersey Girl for the longest time was the redheaded stepchild of all [his] films." In defense of Jersey Girls, however, Smith reminded audiences that Jersey Girl made $25 million at the box office. He also pointed out how hard the release was in the "post-Gigli climate," noting the former film made just $6 million. Check out the full quote...

Noah Cappe is back with another mouth-watering adventure in Season 12 Episode 5 of “Carnival Eats,” titled “Any Given Shrimp and Grits Sunday.” Airing at 9:00 Pm on Sunday, August 4, 2024, on the Cooking Channel, this episode takes viewers on a culinary journey to some of the South’s most beloved fairs.

First, Noah heads to the Coastal Carolina Fair, where he indulges in a legendary three-course meal provided by the Hagy family. Known for their delectable dishes, the Hagy family serves up a feast that’s sure to leave viewers’ taste buds tingling. From savory to sweet, their offerings are a highlight of the fair, showcasing the best of Southern cuisine.

Next, Noah makes his way to the Oak Mountain State Fair in Alabama. Here, he encounters unique Southern twists on classic fair food, each more delicious than the last. The creativity and bold flavors of the Oak Mountain offerings demonstrate the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Given's emotional finale in the movie To the Sea will bring closure to Mafuyu's grief over Yuki's death. The power of pure love will be showcased as Uenoyama pushes himself emotionally and musically in the film. The main theme Ygen, composed by Centimillimental, will be featured in the movie, along with a compilation soundtrack.

Bl anime hit Given is coming to an end in the final movie Given the Movie: To the Sea. The film is a direct sequel to Given Movie: Hiiragi Mix, released on January 27, 2024. This new feature film by Studio Lerche will adapt the story in the manga up to its emotional conclusion. The film will be released on September 20 in Japanese theaters.

Givens Emotional Finale Will Give Closure to Mafuyus Grief

The tension built up since the previous film will come to a touching resolution when Mafuyu finally makes peace with Yukis death, something...

The 1986 war drama "Platoon" was Oliver Stone's fourth film as a director, but it proved to be his breakout in the public consciousness. Before 1986, Stone helmed two horror movies and a biopic of war photographer Richard Boyle ("Salvador"), but "Platoon" put him on the map. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards, and won four, including Best Picture and Best Director. Stone immediately emerged as an enfent terrible, ready to interrogate and criticize previously romanticized American institutions. He also became wildly ambitious, seemingly possessing the temerity to assume his films would change the way the public thinks. In some cases, he was right. 

Stone wore his politics on his sleeve, and often spoke about how much he hated the American right wing. Two of his films are deeply critical biopics of Republican presidents, and several of his more recent documentaries analyze politicians in power. He has turned his lens on Vladimir Putin,...

The Bl genre is evolving: Given's main couple shows a shift towards healthier and sweeter relationships, moving away from problematic tropes. Uenoyama and Mafuyu's relationship in Given embodies love, patience, and empathy, setting a new standard for Bl romance. New Bl anime showcases couples with proper communication and development, focusing on conflicts from regular difficulties.

Now that the Bl (Boys Love) genre has become more welcomed in the mainstream, the dynamics of the main couples are changing, too. The leading example might be Given's main couple: Ritsuka and Mafuyu. For a long time, couples in Bl werent exactly an ideal portrait. The genre has evolved steadily ever since it was created in the 70s, always reflecting how much culture itself accepted ideas beyond what was considered the norm.

The Given anime was released in 2019, and since then has been critically acclaimed, not only because its a great romance drama,...

Explore the frustration of romance with Hirano and Kagiura's slow-burn relationship dynamics and emotional turmoil. Dig deep into self-reflection with characters who analyze their feelings and motivations, refreshing LGBTQ+ representation. Appreciate the mature, dramatic tone of Hirano and Kagiura, contrasting with the sweetness of Sasaki and Miyano in Bl manga.

Bl anime has become more mainstream recently, thanks to some widely acclaimed series like Given and The Stranger By The Shore. A particularly sweet story, Sasaki and Miyano, quickly gained international popularity when it aired in 2022. Its sequel movie, Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation, was released along with a short film that adapted bits of the authors other manga series: Hirano and Kagiura. The stories are parallel and share some characters and events, but they are also significantly different.

Though Hirano and Kagiura is often treated as some sort of spin-off to Sasaki and Miyano, its light novel was actually written...

Blue Lock Season 2 Cast: All Confirmed New and Returning Characters - Main Image

Time-out’s over as the cast of Blue Lock season 2 has been revealed ahead of the anime's October release.

The ball’s about to roll again as old and new characters clash in a heated training session in the confines of the Blue Lock program.

From Yoichi Isagi and Nagi Seishiro to the new characters such as Julian Loki and Nijiro Nanase, meet the cast of Blue Lock season 2 that will keep your blood pumping and take your breath away with their unconventional soccer prowess!

All Confirmed Cast and Characters Appearing in Blue Lock Season 2

Moving forward to the next stage of the Blue Lock training program that Jinpachi Ego organized, our main protagonist, Yoichi Isagi, will face new challenges that will force his potential and test his limits to become the best striker in the world.

The Garfield Movie marks Chris Pratt's 5th consecutive box office success, with a strong opening weekend and promising financial prospects ahead. Despite mixed reviews, the film's family-friendly appeal suggests it will continue drawing audiences and contributing to Pratt's impressive streak. Pratt's ability to consistently turn out profitable movies, despite occasional backlash, showcases his star power and box office appeal in Hollywood.

Chris Pratt has extended an impressive box office streak to five movies after his newest film, but the actor narrowly missed out on an even better achievement. Having cemented his star status in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Pratt has become one of the biggest names in Hollywood, and his recent movie continued a positive trend. Despite the backlash Pratt has sometimes faced throughout his career, the actor has consistently managed to prove his value by turning over profitable movies, and his latest release looks well on its...

Warning: The following contains spoilers for Whisper Me A Love Song episode #5!!

Whisper Me A Love Song includes love triangles beyond the rock band, making the drama more nuanced than most in the genre. The series introduces after-school clubs to add drama, as Himari and Yori's actions ironically lead to conflict between them. Despite being a rock band romance, Whisper Me A Love Song is unique due to connections with other entities in the story, intensifying its overall appeal.

A new series on Hidive called Whisper Me A Love Song is expertly leveraging the use of thematic elements that anime is renowned for capitalizing on to introduce love triangles to its romantic story. As an anime that closely follows a rock band, it would be expected that most of the drama would derive from their activities, and although Whisper Me A Love Song is doing just that and even...

So far, the spring anime roster has been fantastic, with highly anticipated releases like Kaiju No. 8, Konosuba, and Spice and Wolf. While plenty more exciting anime shows are set to premiere this summer, the anticipated season is still a month away. Furthermore, several prior releases have been running weekly episodes, which will continue for at least the next month.

In May 2024, for example, numerous intriguing anime shows were released, including My Hero Academia, Blood of Zeus, and Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc. Even though June isn't the most exciting month in terms of quality, it looks promising for lesser-known anime series. With that in mind, here is every anime series that will premiere in June 2024.

Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc Streaming on Crunchyroll Since May Your browser does not support the video tag.

As usual, Ufotable nails the adaptation of Demon Slayer, with the Hashira Training Arc serving as...

Original English dub voices return for Black Butler -Public School Arc- with talented new additions taking on the roles of the eccentric Prefect 4. The exciting new anime series brings back the iconic duo uncovering a dark mystery at Weston College. The official English dub will begin airing exclusively on Crunchyroll on Saturday, April 27, 2024, alongside new episodes of the series.

Following a successful premiere and even more exciting second episode, Black Butler -Public School Arc-'s anime adaptation is delivering everything fans of the franchise could have wanted from an adaptation of one of the original manga's most popular story arcs, and the community is even more excited following the exciting news that the original English dub voices for Sebastian and Ciel will officially be returning to reprise their roles as the iconic characters.

As announced by Crunchyroll, the ever-iconic English dub cast from the original Black Butler anime adaptations will be...

Warning: This article contains spoilers for episode 6 of Invincible season 2.

Atom Eve's special episode in Invincible season 2 sets the stage for potential one-off specials for other characters, like Rex Splode. Rex Splode's season 2 redemption arc makes him a prime candidate for his own detached episode, deepening his backstory and character development. Connecting Rex and Atom Eve's episodes could enrich their stories, with one-off specials being the ideal way to bridge seasons and engage viewers.

After the success of Invincible: Atom Eve, one character's Invincible season 2 story perfectly sets them up for their own special episode. Atom Eve's special was referenced in Invincible season 2, proving that any future specials could be pivotal to the main show. Although Eve's episode wasn't part of either season 1 or 2, it was a brilliant way of telling her origin story without disrupting the overall narrative. So far, she is the only character to get her own detached episode,...

Taito Ban is the Japanese voice actor who lent his distinctive voice to Sung Jinwoo, the protagonist of the currently ongoing superhit series Solo Leveling. Originally from the Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan, Ban has been the voice behind multiple fan-favorite characters over the years before recently coming into fans’ eyes once again for his iconic voiceover of Jinwoo.

Japanese voice actor Taito Ban (@seiyuucorner | Ig)

Of all the characters he has given his voice to date, Taito Ban has also played a role behind the mics for one of the biggest fan-favorite anime series ever. While most fans must be unaware of this, it is only true that Ban has been the voice behind none other than the Cocky Demon Slayer in the superhit Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba anime series.

SUGGESTEDAfter Solo Leveling, Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Anime Reportedly in the Works Taito Ban Voiced the “Cocky” Demon Slayer...

The 2024 Independent Spirit Awards took place on Sunday at the traditional Santa Monica beach tent location, with Aidy Bryant hosting. “Past Lives” took home the coveted Best Feature award, with “Beef” being honored as Best New Scripted Series. Check out the full list of winners and nominees below.

Best Feature

“Past Lives”

Producers: David Hinojosa, Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon

“All of Us Strangers”

Producers: Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, Sarah Harvey

“American Fiction”

Producers: Cord Jefferson, Jermaine Johnson, Nikos Karamigios, Ben LeClair

“May December”

Producers: Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell, Grant S. Johnson, Pamela Koffler, Tyler W. Konney, Sophie Mas, Natalie Portman, Christine Vachon

“Passages”

Producers: Michel Merkt, Saïd Ben Saïd

“We Grown Now”

Producers: Minhal Baig, Joe Pirro

Best Lead Performance

Jeffrey Wright, “American Fiction”

Jessica Chastain, “Memory”

Greta Lee, “Past Lives”

Trace Lysette, “Monica”

Natalie Portman, “May December”

Judy Reyes, “Birth/Rebirth”

Franz Rogowski, “Passages”

Andrew Scott, “All of Us Strangers”

Teyana Taylor,...

Anime that focus on music have the ability to showcase themes of friendship and self-belief, featuring diverse music genres. Series like Your Lie In April and Given portray musicians' personal growth and joy of creating music. K-On!, Nana, and Blue Giant depict the journey of bands overcoming challenges and growing together.

The best anime about making music not only entertain with thrilling performances, but exemplify many of the most beloved themes in anime. The power of friendship, belief in oneself, and, of course, excellent soundtracks reign supreme in these shows. It's a combination of talent and teamwork that propels musicians to the big time.

Music anime spans all genres. From rock to jazz to classical, every style is appreciated and given its moment in the spotlight. Each climactic performance is a triumph of both musical talent and personal development, and depicts the pure joy of what it is to make a beautiful sound.

In many romance anime, the most exhilerating points in the series is seeing who ends up together – especially when they're a power couple worth rooting for. Many couples, like Mafuyu and Uenoyama from Given, aren't just adorable, but they depict a very important dynamic and exploration of diverse love in fiction. Other love stories, like Tohru and Kyo from Fruits Basket, represent the changes one can go for to become better for the people that they love.

Romance is a popular and heartwarming genre, especially in anime, as it depicts an array of emotions, conflicts, and ultimately the lengths a character will go to reach the heart of the one they love. Audience members are filled with hope and love themselves, as they vicariously experience it through characters in the show.

The satisfaction of these series can be felt ten-fold if the end-game couple meshes perfectly. Whether they learn to overcome obstacles together,...

Boys’ love, as a genre, has been getting rather popular in recent years. It seems there’s a new Bl anime almost every season, and 2024 is already poised to begin bold with an omegaverse boys’ love story, Tadaima, Okaeri, coming out in the spring. It wasn’t very long ago, though, that it was incredibly rare to see a boys’ love anime in a seasonal lineup and even rarer to see one readily available on a mainstream anime platform like Crunchyroll. This is at least partially attributed to the fact that the boys’ love genre has a less-than-stellar reputation for being full of problematic tropes and stereotypes. However, series like Given and Sasaki and Miyano have found incredible success with anime fans and served as proof that there are plenty of fantastic stories that exist under the Bl banner that don’t play into those negative aspects as much (or...

This year celebrates 25 years since the final year of the 1900’s. A year that brought about such classics as The Matrix, Fight Club, American Pie, and Office Space as well as my personal favorite movie of all time: Arlington Road. The year was so successful that 20 years later it would inspire a book titled Best Movie Year Ever.

With a vast cannon of films ranging from highly anticipated block busting prequels (Star Wars: Episode 1- The Phantom Menace) to that years’ eventual Best Picture winner American Beauty and a movie that changed the meaning of twist endings forever (The Sixth Sense) 1999 truly was a year for the ages.

I will be honest, after compiling last weeks list for Best Movies from 1994 and now this list, I have to say 1994 was far more deserving of its own book! But that isn’t to say that 1999 doesn’t have a number of...

Between the Temples, co-written by C. Mason Wells and director Nathan Silver, follows a spiritually conflicted cantor (Jason Schwartzman) who finds his faith somewhat revitalized when his grade school music teacher (Carol Kane) enrolls as his latest adult bat mitzvah student. Editor John Magary discusses how he approached cutting Between the Temples, particularly when it came to navigating the film’s heavy use of improv. See all responses to our annual Sundance editor questionnaire here. Filmmaker: How and why did you wind up being the editor of your film? What were the factors and attributes that led to your being hired […]

The post “The Point Is to Struggle With What You’ve Been Given”: Editor John Magary on Between the Temples first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.

Between the Temples, co-written by C. Mason Wells and director Nathan Silver, follows a spiritually conflicted cantor (Jason Schwartzman) who finds his faith somewhat revitalized when his grade school music teacher (Carol Kane) enrolls as his latest adult bat mitzvah student. Editor John Magary discusses how he approached cutting Between the Temples, particularly when it came to navigating the film’s heavy use of improv. See all responses to our annual Sundance editor questionnaire here. Filmmaker: How and why did you wind up being the editor of your film? What were the factors and attributes that led to your being hired […]

The post “The Point Is to Struggle With What You’ve Been Given”: Editor John Magary on Between the Temples first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.

Danielle Harris expressed interest in returning for the Halloween sequel trilogy but was never offered a part, as she had already played multiple characters in previous installments. Harris had ideas for her character and wanted to explore where Jamie is now as an adult, hoping that future timelines in the Halloween universe would allow for her return. Harris' return to the franchise could have set up an interesting new path for her character, Jamie, and provided a more meaningful closure to the franchise, but it would have required retconning prior sequels and revisiting the familial ties between Michael and Laurie.

With the recent movies bringing back a variety of legacy actors, Danielle Harris reveals why she didn't return for David Gordon Green's Halloween sequel trilogy. Beginning with the 2018 hit, the recent installments in the long-running horror franchise retconned every sequel prior to it, establishing yet another new timeline in...

After a long wait, Stranger Things is finally heading back to Hawkins as the cameras started rolling for the highly-anticipated final season of Netflix's hit show. However, some people aren't thrilled about one cast member returning.

Stranger Things Season 5 has been long in development, as it has been postponed due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes, but there's a new exciting update about the Netflix fan-favorite show. According to DiscussingFilm on X, the fifth and final season of Stranger Things has begun filming, which, initially, was supposed to start filming in June 2023, according to lead actor David Harbour.

Related Who Is 001 In Stranger Things? Vecna is a terrifying new villain from Stranger Things Season 4, but his backstory as Henry Creel/001 showcases he's more than a mindless monster. The final season of ‘Stranger Things’ has begun filming. pic.twitter.com/bkHKyK0UsG — DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 6, 2024 The very least we can...

Anime soundtracks are often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in expressing themes and emotions. These anime have some of the best soundtracks composed by talented individuals, both iconic and underrated. Each soundtrack on this list is unique and enhances the overall experience of its respective anime.

While plot, dialogue, and animation are undoubtedly crucial, good anime soundtracks also play a considerable role that is often overlooked. A good soundtrack can not only express underlying themes and emotions but also amplify and communicate them in a way words may not be able to. In fact, the music in a particular scene can tell a whole story of its own.

Over the years, a good deal of anime have gained recognition for their stellar soundtracks. That said, the anime on this list have some of the best soundtracks composed by some of the most talented individuals in the industry in recent years,...

Anime history is full of stunning romance series. In fact, in the eyes of many, anime is the perfect genre for romance, as animation's flexibility makes it easy to convey the dizzying euphoria, painful lows, and utter beauty of love in a way that resonates with audiences. However, many anime romances follow a similar format, with each year seeing a new raft of "boy meets girl" stories arrive on television screens.

But, tucked between these shows is a whole raft of unique romance anime that put a different spin on the ideas and storylines viewers have come to expect. Your Name is one of the most famous recent examples of this, charming audiences with its unique take on life and romance, but it is far from the only one.

Related I'm In Love With The Villainess' Unexpectedly Deep Moments Make It Worth The Watch It may require patience, but I'm...

Anime villains with moral ambiguity are more relatable and human than cartoonishly evil ones. They challenge our ideas of right and wrong. Anime is willing to explore the uncomfortable and ambiguous sides of characters, allowing audiences to work through their own inner demons. The morally gray villains in these anime series are complex, well-rounded characters with unique personalities and motivations.

The best morally gray anime villains are some of the most complex characters in fiction. As fun as it can be to watch a cartoonishly evil villain cause mayhem, they often aren't as true to life as the more dubious ones. Audiences are drawn to anime characters with moral ambiguity because they are ultimately the most human.

Compared to Western mainstream media, anime has historically been more willing to grapple with the uncomfortable and ambiguous sides of a character. These villains challenge the viewer's notions of right and wrong, and...

Margot Robbie expresses doubts about a potential Barbie 2, stating that they didn't plan the first movie to be a trilogy. Robbie acknowledges that they put everything into the first movie, with co-writer/director Greta Gerwig giving it her all. The actor is unsure about what could happen in a sequel, implying that they haven't considered or planned for one.

As the first movie awaits its chances in awards season, Margot Robbie has a disappointing update on a potential Barbie 2. Based on the Mattel doll of the same name, the comedy proved to be the surprise smash hit of 2023, setting multiple box office records, including the highest-grossing movie of the year thus far, as well as Warner Bros.' highest-grossing movie ever and the highest-grossing from a solo female director. Since its success, including beating out Oppenheimer in the viral Barbenheimer box office battle, talks have swirled about a potential sequel.

An upcoming anime-original production titled Na Nare Hana Nare has been announced.

Na Nare Hana Nare is a joint collaboration by animation production companies P.A.Works and Dmm.com, with the anime set to air in 2024. Alongside staff information, the anime's first key visual and teaser trailer have been released. The anime is being directed by Koudai Kakimoto, also in charge of the series composition.

Oshi no Ko's Doga Kobo Releases Live-Action Teaser Trailer for Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night

Tomomi Takada (Komada - A Whisky Family) came up with the original character designs, while Kanami Sekiguchi oversees their designs within the anime. Director Kakimoto, Yuniko Ayana (Given movies) and Midori Gotou oversee the screenplay. Gotou also wrote the screenplay for Hozuki's Coolheadedness, a fan-favorite for lovers of yokai-themed anime. Fans can expect to see further details about Na Nare Hana Nare on Jan. 25, 2024.

P.A. Works is behind some of...

Well-written queer representation in manga can be difficult to find, but there are special titles that realistically depict the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Autobiographical manga like "The Bride Was a Boy" and "My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness" offer guidance and empathy to readers going through similar situations. Stories like "Given," "Bloom into You," and "Our Dreams at Dusk" explore themes of love, identity, and acceptance, providing nuanced and impactful portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters.

As diverse and creative as the industry may be, it can prove surprisingly difficult to find instances of genuine, well-written queer representation in manga. However, some truly special titles go above and beyond in terms of realistically depicting the experiences and struggles of queer people, and these are some of the best LGBTQ+ manga thereof.

Even in a medium where same-sex romance has long been commonplace, well-meant LGBTQ+ representation that does not rely on stereotypes can still be tricky to find.

The upcoming romance anime An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride has released new info as well as a trailer ahead of its 2024 premiere date.

The light novel series Mao no Ore ga Dorei Erufu o Yome ni Shitan da ga, Dou Medereba ii? will be adapted into an anime, as revealed by the official website on Oct. 25, 2023. The fantasy rom-com by author Fuminori Teshima and illustrator Comta has been published since 2017 by Japanese publisher Hobby Japan. Brain's Base will animate the series. The anime's evil sorcerer protagonist, Zagan, will be voiced by Yusuke Kobayashi, and the enslaved Nephy is voiced by Kana Ichinose.

Related: Romance Anime A Sign of Affection Releases First Promo Video, Unveils More Names

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Yusuke Kobayashi is well known for his roles in Dr. Stone as Senku, Fire Force as Arthur Boyle, Food Wars! as Zenji and, perhaps most notably, as Natsuki Subaru in Re:zero.

The title and release date of the next Given movie has been revealed, along with a key visual. The two-part movie project has revealed that the first movie will be titled Eiga Given: Hiiragi Mix and will premiere on Jan. 27, 2024 in Japan.

The official Given website released the key visual, shown below, featuring two childhood friends of Given's protagonist Mafuyu Sato, Hiiragi Kashima and Shizusumi Yagi sitting among their band equipment.

Related: Given Sequel To Be A Two-Part Movie; Recap Video Released

Given's Success: The Manga, Anime Series, Movies and Live-Action Drama

Given, the popular Bl manga created by mangaka Natsuki Kizu, debuted in Shinshokan's Cheri+ magazine in 2013 and ended its run on March 30 of this year. The manga has been compiled into nine volumes. The anime adaptation debuted in 2019 and was positively received, quickly becoming a hit with boys' love fans and more casual viewers alike.

The story...

Justified: City Primeval showrunners tease the Western-like story between Raylan and Boyd in season 2, if it is renewed, suggesting it could be the final chapter for these two characters. The dynamic between Raylan and Boyd, including their complicated relationship and fatherhood, will be key in the new season. The show could explore how Raylan and Boyd have evolved in the last 10 years and what happens when they come together now.

Justified: City Primeval showrunners tease the story between Raylan Givens and Boyd Crowder in season 2, comparing it to a Western. When viewers last caught up with Raylan (Timothy Olyphant), he seemed just about ready to retire and spend time with his daughter Willa (played by Olyphant's real-life daughter Vivian) when he gets a call that Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins) has escaped from prison. Given the complicated relationship between the two, it might be the only reason that will convince Givens...

Boys' love manga Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! is receiving an anime adaptation that will premiere in 2024.

The romantic comedy anime trailer dropped on YouTube, revealing Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!'s release date. The series will begin broadcast in Japan in January 2024. The animation studio Satelight is producing the series, with Yoshiko Okuda directing. Makoto Furukawa and Gen Sato voice main characters Tsuge Masato and Wataya Minato, respectively.

Related: When Does The This Shouldn't Lead to Love Anime Come Out In English?

Square Enix serialized the Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! manga in its Gangan Pixiv manga magazine. A previous 2020 TV drama adaptation of the boys' love title currently streams on Crunchyroll. Square Enix's description for Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! reads, "Adachi, a thirty-year-old virgin,...

Crunchyroll will release the third season of Classroom of the Elite in January 2024.

Crunchyroll announced Classroom of the Elite Season 3's release schedule via its official website following an official reveal at New York Comic Con. The series is directed by Hiroyuki Hashimoto, Seiji Kishi and Yoshihito Nishoji for Studio Hibari's Lerche, with series composition by Hayato Kazano and character designs by Kazuaki Morita.

Related: Crunchyroll Settles in User Information Privacy Class-Action Lawsuit

Shogo Kinugasa and Sunsaku Tomose created the light novel series that Classroom of the Elite adapts. Crunchyroll's description of the series reads, "Kiyotaka Ayanokoji has just enrolled at Tokyo Koudo Ikusei Senior High School, where it's said that 100% of students go on to college or find employment. But he ends up in Class 1-d, which is full of all the school's problem children. What's more, every month, the school awards students points with a cash value of 100,000 yen,...

Many of One Piece's characters have appearances based on real pop culture icons, but few of these inspirations are as surprising as the likely basis for the villain Enel. This shows that mangaka Eiichiro Oda is truly drawing inspiration from all parts of the world and all corners of pop culture. It also may cause some fans to view Enel much differently from how he appeared in Skypiea.

Enel was the narcissistic tyrant who ruled over the Sky Islands in the Skypiea arc. With his Rumble-Rumble Devil Fruit, he could control lightning and transform himself into it as well, making him nearly invincible. Luffy's powers provided the first real threat that he faced during his time ruling, as rubber is an insulator and thus has a natural advantage against electricity. His previous untouchability just fueled his god complex, causing him to rule over the sky islanders as a deity,...