Phoenix 2772 (1980)
Osamu Tezuka's ambitious animated epic sends a young pilot on a cosmic quest to capture the legendary Phoenix and save a dying Earth.
Phoenix 2772 - Movie Information
- Original Title: 火の鳥2772 愛のコスモゾーン
- Release Year: 1980
- Directed by: Taku Sugiyama, Osamu Tezuka
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Drama
- Runtime: 2h 2m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 15, 1980 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Hi no tori 2772: Ai no kosumozon (JP), Phoenix 2772 (UK), 火鸟2772：爱的宇宙空间 (CN), PHENIX L'Oiseau de Feu (FR), El Niño Del Espacio (ES), Space Firebirth (DE), Hi No Tori 2772 - L'uccello di Fuoco (IT), Space Firebird (US)
- Production Companies: TOHO, Tezuka Productions
- Production Countries: Japan
Phoenix 2772 - Plot
Phoenix 2772 starts with twelve minutes without dialogue, much like a silent film, recalling the birth and education of Godo. In this brave new world, children are born in test tubes and are raised by computers and robots. Godo learns the skills that will make him into a great pilot, assisted by the robotic wonder Olga. Everything that Godo needs is provided for him until he eventually goes for training with his automaton companion. He soon realizes that the world is not what he expected...
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Phoenix 2772 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Taku Sugiyama
- Osamu Tezuka
Main Cast
- Kaneto Shiozawa
- Katsue Miwa
- Shuichi Ikeda
- Kazue Takahashi
- Kazuo Kumakura
- Hiroshi Otake
- Keiko Takeshita
- Shūichirō Moriyama
- Yasuo Hisamatsu
- Masatô Ibu
Writers
- Taku Sugiyama
- Osamu Tezuka
Producers
- Osamu Tezuka
Phoenix 2772 - FAQs
What is Phoenix 2772 about?
Phoenix 2772 follows Godo, a young pilot raised by robots in a future where children are born in test tubes. He is sent on a mission to capture the legendary Phoenix, a mystical cosmic bird whose power could restore energy to an exhausted Earth. It's a visually inventive, emotionally rich sci-fi journey.
Is Phoenix 2772 based on a manga by Osamu Tezuka?
Yes, Phoenix 2772 is inspired by Osamu Tezuka's legendary manga series Hi no Tori (Phoenix), which he considered his life's work. The film expands on the manga's themes of life, death, and cosmic rebirth, though it tells an original story set in the 28th century rather than directly adapting a single manga arc.
Who directed Phoenix 2772?
Phoenix 2772 was co-directed by Taku Sugiyama and the legendary manga artist and animator Osamu Tezuka, the so-called 'God of Manga.' Tezuka's creative vision shaped the film's distinctive aesthetic and its philosophical exploration of humanity, technology, and the eternal cycle of life.
What makes the opening of Phoenix 2772 unique?
The film opens with a remarkable twelve-minute wordless sequence — almost like a silent film — that traces Godo's birth and upbringing entirely through visuals and music. It's a bold, expressive choice that immediately establishes the film's artistic ambition and its emotional connection to its protagonist.
Who are the main voice actors in Phoenix 2772?
The Japanese voice cast features Kaneto Shiozawa as Godo, Katsue Miwa as the robot companion Olga, and Shuichi Ikeda as Rock. The ensemble also includes Kazue Takahashi, Kazuo Kumakura, Hiroshi Otake, Keiko Takeshita, Shūichirō Moriyama, Yasuo Hisamatsu, and Masatô Ibu.
When was Phoenix 2772 released?
Phoenix 2772 had its theatrical release on March 15, 1980, in Japan. The film was produced by TOHO and Tezuka Productions and was one of the more ambitious anime theatrical features of its era, showcasing Osamu Tezuka's vision on the big screen.
What genre is Phoenix 2772?
Phoenix 2772 blends animation, science fiction, mystery, and drama into a rich, layered experience. It's a philosophical sci-fi adventure at heart, exploring themes of identity, freedom, and the value of life through the lens of a futuristic quest story with strong emotional and mythological undertones.
What are similar films to Phoenix 2772?
If you enjoy Phoenix 2772, you might also appreciate Violet Evergarden: The Movie, Altered Carbon: Resleeved, and Modest Heroes — all thoughtful animated works exploring identity and emotion. For classic anime with philosophical depth, the broader Tezuka Productions catalogue and films like Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection are worth exploring.
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