Music Manga Movie Madness!

In case you hadn't heard the news, BECK, which was turned into an Engrish-filled anime in 2004, is now the latest music manga to be brought to the big screen in a live-action format.

Previously, solanin, written and illustrated by Inio Asano, was released as a live-action film in April 2010. We'll get back to solanin in just a moment.

Taking on the helm of BECK's director is Yukihiko Tsutsumi, known for book-to-film adaptions including Ashita no Kioku, manga-to-film adaptions like, 20th Century Boys as well as game-to-film adaptions, Forbidden Siren.

The film stars Hiro Mizushima (Kamen Rider Kabuto, Zettai Kareshi) as Ryusuke and Takeru Satoh (Kamen Rider Den-O) as Koyuki, among other notable young actors.

Check out the extended trailer here:


Full-size version of the movie poster itself:


And don't forget to pay a visit to the official website which gives not only the standard story, cast, character descriptions, but includes links to their blog, twitter and wallpaper download section.

BECK follows a group of Japanese teenagers in their efforts to form a rock band. The manga has been licensed by Tokyopop, but is currently on a break after the 12th volume was released in June 2008.
BECK the live action movie will be released in Japan on the 4th of September.


Back to solanin. Slipping almost under the radar is this gem of a film. Spanning only 2 volumes back in 2005-2006, solanin was brought to the big screen in April of this year starring Aoi Miyazaki (Nana live action).
Quoting njt, "The Solanin movie was amazing! Asano Inio fans should put that on their MUST BUY DVD lists."

Here's the trailer for the film in case you missed it:


The solanin song sung by Ajikan (Asian Kung-Fu Generation):


The solanin DVD will be released September 9 and is readily available for pre-order through Amazon.

solanin details the story of a group of university graduates who leave their direction-less lives in order to start a successful band.
The manga was licensed by Viz Media and was nominated for the 2009 Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material - Japan.

Links:
Official BECK movie website
Official solanin movie website
solanin DVD special edition (Amazon)
solanin DVD standard edition (Amazon)
solanin CD single by Asian Kung-Fu Generation (Play-Asia)
solanin CD soundtrack (Play-Asia)