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Promare

Promare is a 2019 Japanese animated science fiction action film produced by Trigger and XFLAG and directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Promare is a 2019 Japanese animated science fiction action film produced by Trigger and XFLAG and directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi. The film follows a firefighting team confronting the Burnish, a group of flame-controlling mutants, after a catastrophic world blaze.

Plot

The story is set in a world reshaped by the emergence of the Burnish, people who can create and control fire. The conflict centers on Burning Rescue, a firefighting team, and Mad Burnish, a radical Burnish group led by Lio Fotia.

Production

Promare was co-produced by Trigger and XFLAG and directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, with a screenplay by Kazuki Nakashima. It also features designs by Shigeto Koyama, 3DCG work by Sanzigen, and music by Hiroyuki Sawano.

Release

The film premiered in Japan on May 24, 2019 through Toho Animation. It later received international releases, including a limited U.S. theatrical release through GKIDS in 2019. It also screened in Canadian cinemas through limited anime and film distribution channels.

Reception

Coverage from major entertainment publications described the film as visually striking and high-energy, while noting its post-apocalyptic setting and mecha action elements. Its style is commonly associated with director Hiroyuki Imaishi and Studio Trigger’s earlier work.

Key facts

  • Promare was Studio Trigger’s first feature film.
  • The film is set after a global catastrophe called the Great World Blaze, caused by flame-wielding mutants known as Burnish.
  • Its main character is Galo Thymos, a rookie in the Burning Rescue firefighting unit.
  • Lio Fotia leads the anti-establishment Burnish group Mad Burnish.
  • The film’s character and mecha designs were done by Shigeto Koyama, with 3DCG animation by Sanzigen.
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Canadian context

Promare screened in Canadian cinemas through limited anime and film distribution channels, and it is part of the wider international market for Japanese animation that has an established audience in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Promare?
Promare is a 2019 Japanese animated science fiction action film directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi and produced by Trigger and XFLAG.
Who wrote Promare?
The screenplay was written by Kazuki Nakashima.
What is Promare about?
It follows a firefighting unit confronting the Burnish, a group of people who can control fire, in a post-catastrophe world.
Who are the main characters?
The story centers on Galo Thymos, a rookie firefighter, and Lio Fotia, the leader of the Burnish group Mad Burnish.
When was Promare released?
It was released in Japan on May 24, 2019.
What is Promare’s runtime?
Promare runs for 111 minutes.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promare
    Supports: Basic production credits, Japanese title, release date, runtime, and staff credits.
  2. Anime News Network — https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=21767
    Supports: Genre, runtime, plot premise, and main character names.
  3. Cinema Escapist — https://www.cinemaescapist.com/2019/10/promare-anime-movie-review/
    Supports: Studio Trigger first feature film claim, release context, and cast details.
  4. Variety — https://www.variety.com/2019/film/reviews/promare-review-1203342272/
    Supports: Plot context, setting, and thematic description.
  5. CBR — https://www.cbr.com/review-promare/
    Supports: Plot overview, Burning Rescue, and U.S. theatrical release context.
  6. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/promare
    Supports: Genre, synopsis, and release information.