Angel’s Egg: The Cult Anime Classic You’ve (Probably) Never Seen, Now At Cannes

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1985’s lesser-known anime masterpiece, “Angel’s Egg” (originally titled “Tenshi no Tamago”), is set to shine again. The prestigious Cannes Film Festival has announced the global debut of a pristine 4K restoration of this film in its “Cinéma de la Plage” section on May 20th.

And the best part? Anyone can catch this haunting masterpiece for free!

A Masterpiece Steps Out Of The Shadows

Under the guidance of director Mamoru Oshii (“Ghost in the Shell”), and with the captivating illustrations of Yoshitaka Amano, Angel’s Egg stands out for its visually striking elements and its narrative that employs symbolism and allegory.

Originally regarded as a concealed treasure, this film is now making a comeback after 40 years, maybe when it’s most timely.

In a harmonious fusion, Amano’s poetic aesthetics meld with Oshii’s minimalistic color scheme to create what others have termed as “a fully realized world in just 80 minutes.” Dialogue is scarcely used, instead leaving room for viewers to insert their personal interpretations into the visual narrative.

The official Cannes website describes the film as follows:

In a submerged city, a young girl continues to care for a large egg that she holds preciously in her arms. She believes it is the egg of an angel. A boy with a huge gun alights from a peculiar chariot. He is in search of the bird he saw in his dream. In an abandoned city, it seems as if a faint sense of sympathy has developed between the two, however one night, the boy crushes the girl’s egg.

From “Flop” To Festival Darling?

Subtly expressive with a depth of symbolism, “Angel’s Egg” explores themes of pondering life itself while intertwining the realms of dreams and actuality.

After its debut, “Angel’s Egg” left audiences puzzled and caused concern among producers. Many Western viewers deemed it overly abstract, and while it received acclaim from critics and professionals in the field, the movie’s box office flop hampered Mamoru Oshii’s career for a significant period.

Originally, the director himself referred to it as “a daughter I wasn’t able to present adequately to the public.” With this restoration, he might now have the opportunity to do so.

The 4K restoration, carefully overseen by Oshii utilizing the authentic 35mm negatives and boosted by Dolby Atmos audio, aims to deliver the film an enveloping experience that it has long been due.

Distributor GKIDS will also bring this restored version to North American theaters in 2025.

Visions Worth The Vigil

Initially envisioned as a comedy, the movie took an unexpected turn when Oshii was captivated by Amano’s artwork. This change in perspective led to the creation of the melancholic, dreamlike fantasy known as Angel’s Egg. Often, a deviation can give rise to a masterpiece.

So why should you watch Angel’s Egg now?

In contrast to numerous animated films that adhere to familiar patterns and commercial franchises, “Angel’s Egg” distinguishes itself as a unique piece. It offers a surreal backdrop for subtle narration instead of loud proclamations, and it provides a visually captivating journey that rewards those who are patient and attentive.

Angel’s Egg doesn’t provide straightforward solutions, but perhaps that’s the intention. This overlooked gem may finally find its rightful viewers at Cannes, where movies often resonate with audiences long after their initial release.

Art enthusiasts who appreciate innovative animation and avant-garde films will have an opportunity to re-encounter a movie that seems to have been destined for the future with this unique screening.

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2025-05-19 21:10