Studio Ghibli’s enchanting fantasy series is coming to Amazon Prime Video.
[dropcap size=small]S[/dropcap]tudio Ghibli’s first TV series Ronja, The Robber’s Daughter is coming to Amazon Prime Video this month, allowing UK and U.S. viewers to stream the 26-episode series in English officially for the first time.
Directed by Up on Poppy Hill and Tales from Earthsea director Gorô Miyazaki, the series is based on the 1981 fantasy novel, Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren (who’s best known for her beloved children’s book, Pippi Longstocking). Studio Ghibli co-produced Ronja with the 3DCG animation studio Polygon Pictures, and originally aired the TV title in Japan back in 2014.
The story follows the adventures of the lead protagonist Ronja, a ten-year-old girl who’s the daughter of a chief of bandits. After befriending the son of a rival tribe, Ronja sets out to explore the forests surrounding the mountain fort she calls home, and encounters “wondrous creatures” who inhabit the world around her.
Ronja, which was originally adapted in Japanese by Kiroyuki Kawasaki, has been adapted in English by writer and director David Freedman. Voice acting talents such as Teresa Gallagher (Ronja), Adrian Edmondson (Noodle Pete), Rufus Hound (Mattis) and Kelly Adams (Birk) are included in the cast line-up, along with narration from Gillian Anderson.
Ahead of the show’s premiere on January 27th, Amazon Prime have released a new trailer showcasing the English dub – check it out below:
Those hoping to see the series in Japanese will be disappointed to learn the subtitled version will not be included. According to Wired UK, an Amazon spokesperson explained that the series has a younger target audience, which is why the decision was made to make the English Dubbed version the only offering for English-speaking viewers.
The series does look stylistically appealing, with a CGI touch that makes it a little different from Ghibli’s usual animated fare. Newcomers and longtime fans alike are sure to be delighted thanks to the signature Ghibli charm and heartfelt vibes it gives off.
Ronja is certainly one to watch out for!
The series is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video January 27, 2017.
