Science-Fiction movie As One / AS ONE starts on August 22 in the cinema

A new major project enters the anime landscape: The SF animated film As One / AS ONE, directed by Kōbun Shizuno (known for the Detective Conan movie series), will premiere in Japanese theaters on August 22, 2024. A first teaser trailer and concept art provide insights into the multi-layered plot and high-profile production.

The story serves as a prequel to the arcade game Hoshi to Tsubasa no Paradox by Square Enix and connects two seemingly separate worlds:

- You, an ordinary high school student on Earth.

- Rako, a robot mechanic on the alien planet Meguriboshi.

After an accident while rescuing her partner Vigo from a debris field, Rako falls into a coma. In this world of consciousness, she unexpectedly meets You – an encounter that transcends the boundaries of space and time. The teaser shows surreal scenes of their soul-deep connection, action-packed battles of the robot units Purgard, and Rako's desperate attempts to save her reality.

Production Team & Style

- Character Design: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (Neon Genesis Evangelion, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time) lends the characters his distinctive emotional depth.

- Mech Design: Ippei Gyoubu (Gundam Reconguista in G) designed the futuristic combat machines.

- Screenplay: A team including Shatner Nishida, Kana Matsui, and Masaya Honda developed the complex narrative.

- Animation: Honoo and Studio GOONEYS bring the vision to life with a mix of 2D and 3D techniques.

The released concept art emphasizes the contrast between the grim mechanics of Rako's world and the dreamlike luminous sequences in the consciousness space. The teaser also highlights the dynamic action scenes that Shizuno perfected in his Conan films.

With As One / AS ONE, Shizuno ventures into an original SF universe that raises philosophical questions about fate and connection. The combination of established talents and innovative storytelling could make the film a milestone of the genre. Fans of the game will also gain essential background on the Hoshi to Tsubasa no Paradox lore.