Anime fans in the US are being spoiled with lots of film releases this year. The latest is The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes, a romance anime film that got a November US cinema release date announcement.
The film was confirmed to get a US release a few months ago, but only a release window was revealed back then. Finally, anime fans can mark their calendars as it will be released in early November.
What makes this a must-watch is its interesting premise and excellent animation that gave it recognition in a prestigious animation award ceremony.
The Tunnel to Summer: An Award-Winning Sci-Fi Romance
The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes is a sci-fi romance film by CLAP, the studio behind the avant-garde anime Pompo: The Cinéphile and Shibuya Vernacular.
As for its story, the film follows Kaoru Touno, a student who has suffered from misfortune as his sibling passed away and his parents divorced.
Kaoru soon finds himself pulled into a mysterious tunnel after fighting with his father. Upon emerging from the tunnel, he discovers that one week has passed.
He then remembers a rumor about a tunnel that can grant wishes in exchange for someone’s lifespan. Kaoru soon returns to the tunnel, where he comes across Anzu Hanashiro, a student in his class with a wish of her own.
The film was released in Japan back in September 2022. It was also screened at the 2023 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where it won the Paul Grimault Award, one of the festival’s top prizes.
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The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes Finally Gets a US Cinema Release Date
Aside from being awarded one of the top Annecy honors, the film has also received positive reviews from critics. While it's only based on eight reviews, the film has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Given the film’s great reception, it’s no surprise that HIDIVE is releasing it in US cinemas soon. The film’s release was previously revealed to happen sometime in Fall 2023.
Ahead of the wider release, HIDIVE will hold a special screening of the film at New York Comic Con this October.
Those who won’t be able to attend NYCC won’t have to worry though, as The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes will be released in US cinemas on November 3, 2023.
There’s no word yet on the complete list of cinemas for the film, though tickets are confirmed to go on sale on October 10.
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