BEVERLY HILLS —?The Japanese animated film “The Boy and the Beast” is now playing at Laemmle’s Music Hall, 9036 Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills.

Showtimes through Thursday are 1:30, 4:20, 7:10 and 10 p.m.

In the latest feature film from award-winning director Mamoru Hosoda (“Summer Wars,” “Wolf Children”), Kyuta, a young orphan living on the streets of Shibuya, stumbles into a fantastic world of beasts. He’s taken in by Kumatetsu, a gruff, rough-around-the-edges warrior beast who’s been searching for the perfect apprentice. Despite their constant bickering, Kyuta and Kumatetsu begin training together and slowly form a bond as surrogate father and son.

But when a deep darkness threatens to throw the human and beast worlds into chaos, the strong bond between this unlikely family will be put to the ultimate test — a final showdown that will only be won if the two can finally work together using all of their combined strength and courage.

This is one of three films submitted by Japan for consideration as a nominee for the Academy Award for best animated feature.

In Japanese with English subtitles. Running time: 119 minutes.

For more information or to order tickets online, go to www.laemmle.com.

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