Japan’s Free Stone Productions has secured international sales rights to upcoming drama Promised Land and is launching the feature at Hong Kong Filmart.
It marks the feature directorial debut of Masashi Iijima and is based on a novel of the same name written by Kazuichi Iijima.
Set in a mountainous region of northern Japan in 1983, the story is centred on traditional hunters known as the Matagi, who track and kill wildlife every winter. The film follows two young men with opposing views who venture out in search of a bear, despite the introduction of a hunting ban by Japan’s environmental agency.
It marks the feature directorial debut of Masashi Iijima and is based on a novel of the same name written by Kazuichi Iijima.
Set in a mountainous region of northern Japan in 1983, the story is centred on traditional hunters known as the Matagi, who track and kill wildlife every winter. The film follows two young men with opposing views who venture out in search of a bear, despite the introduction of a hunting ban by Japan’s environmental agency.
- 3/11/2024
- ScreenDaily
Takumi Saitoh is best known as an in-demand actor with an enormous list of credits, but he has also established himself as a filmmaker and photographer. After modeling in Japan and overseas in his teens, he made his acting debut in 2001, and has appeared in such heralded films as Takashi Miike's For Love's Sake (2012) Junji Sakamoto's The Projects (2015), Eric Khoo's Ramen Teh (2018), Last of the Wolves (Nyaff 2021), Shin Ultraman and The Legend and Butterfly (2023), among many others. Saitoh has been directing short films for several decades, and made his feature debut with blank 13 (2018), which won awards at film festivals in Japan and abroad, followed by the omnibus Zokki (Nyaff 2020). Home Sweet Home marks his third feature as director.
On the occasion of his film “Home Sweet Home” screening at New York Asian Film Festival, we speak with him about transitioning from actor to director, the filmmakers...
On the occasion of his film “Home Sweet Home” screening at New York Asian Film Festival, we speak with him about transitioning from actor to director, the filmmakers...
- 8/4/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Priority remains projects where production has been substantially delayed.
SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland has confirmed the Guild is making preparations for independent productions to apply for interim agreements allowing actors to perform full publicity duties including red carpets and interviews.
The development comes as Venice announced its line-up and Toronto continues to roll out its progamme announcements – with both containing a number of high-profile independent selections.
“We’re making arrangements so that projects that have completed their principal photography can apply for an interim agreement,” Crabtree-Ireland told Screen on Tuesday. “Our intention is to...
SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland has confirmed the Guild is making preparations for independent productions to apply for interim agreements allowing actors to perform full publicity duties including red carpets and interviews.
The development comes as Venice announced its line-up and Toronto continues to roll out its progamme announcements – with both containing a number of high-profile independent selections.
“We’re making arrangements so that projects that have completed their principal photography can apply for an interim agreement,” Crabtree-Ireland told Screen on Tuesday. “Our intention is to...
- 7/25/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Japanese filmmaker Junji Sakamoto to receive the Screen International Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award.
The New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff) has revealed the features that will compete for its Uncaged Award and announced that Japanese filmmaker Junji Sakamoto will receive the Screen International Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award.
The nine-strong competition for best feature film at the festival, running July 14-30, will include the world premieres of Hong Kong horror Back Home and Chinese films Flaming Cloud and Redemption With Life.
Back Home is a suspense horror that marks the feature directorial debut of Nate Ki and stars Anson...
The New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff) has revealed the features that will compete for its Uncaged Award and announced that Japanese filmmaker Junji Sakamoto will receive the Screen International Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award.
The nine-strong competition for best feature film at the festival, running July 14-30, will include the world premieres of Hong Kong horror Back Home and Chinese films Flaming Cloud and Redemption With Life.
Back Home is a suspense horror that marks the feature directorial debut of Nate Ki and stars Anson...
- 6/23/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Nyaff unveils first wave of features from China, Hong Kong, Japan and beyond.
The New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff) has unveiled the first wave of features for its 22nd edition and announced that Japanese actor Ryohei Suzuki will receive the Screen International Rising Star award.
Nyaff will run from July 14-30 at the city’s Film at Lincoln Center, with a programme of more than 60 titles, and Suzuki will be presented with the award recognising emerging talent from East Asia on July 15.
Suzuki has been acting on screen for more than 15 years, with a string of roles in Japanese...
The New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff) has unveiled the first wave of features for its 22nd edition and announced that Japanese actor Ryohei Suzuki will receive the Screen International Rising Star award.
Nyaff will run from July 14-30 at the city’s Film at Lincoln Center, with a programme of more than 60 titles, and Suzuki will be presented with the award recognising emerging talent from East Asia on July 15.
Suzuki has been acting on screen for more than 15 years, with a string of roles in Japanese...
- 6/15/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
The first highlights of the 23rd Nippon Connection Film Festival are set! From June 6 to 11, 2023, Frankfurt am Main in Germany will once again become the capital of Japanese cinema. For six days, you can immerse yourself in art and cinema from Japan at eight venues. There are around 100 exciting short and feature-length films to discover – from the latest blockbusters and anime to independent and documentary films. A varied supporting program with more than 50 workshops, concerts, lectures and exhibitions as well as a wide range of culinary specialties invite you to experience Japan with all your senses. The two festival centers with cinemas, bars and Japanese market stalls are again the Künstler*innenhaus Mousonturm and the Produktionshaus Naxos in Frankfurt am Main. The complete program and tickets will be available on NipponConnection.com starting May 12, 2023.
Nippon Rising Star Award Goes To Toko Miura!
The star guest of this year’s festival is Toko Miura,...
Nippon Rising Star Award Goes To Toko Miura!
The star guest of this year’s festival is Toko Miura,...
- 4/9/2023
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Junji Sakamoto’s “Okiku and the World” is not just a period drama, but also feels like period filmmaking. Shot in black and white and a 4:3 aspect ratio, this in some ways feels like a homage to the films of yesteryear. But, with modern technology to hand, this looks divine, despite its subject for the most part being that of human faeces.
Yasuke (Sosuke Ikematsu) works among the rowhouses of the Edo era as a collector of human faeces for sale as fertiliser. A dirty job, he is seen as the lowest of the low. He takes on Chuji (Kanichiro Sato) as a helper as they just about make ends meet. Okiku (Haru Kuroki) is the daughter of a samurai who volunteers at a local temple as a calligraphy teacher. Gradually, she takes a shine to Chuji, despite his lowly status, though tragedy soon comes to her life.
Starting...
Yasuke (Sosuke Ikematsu) works among the rowhouses of the Edo era as a collector of human faeces for sale as fertiliser. A dirty job, he is seen as the lowest of the low. He takes on Chuji (Kanichiro Sato) as a helper as they just about make ends meet. Okiku (Haru Kuroki) is the daughter of a samurai who volunteers at a local temple as a calligraphy teacher. Gradually, she takes a shine to Chuji, despite his lowly status, though tragedy soon comes to her life.
Starting...
- 2/24/2023
- by Andrew Thayne
- AsianMoviePulse
The film received its world premiere in Rotterdam’s Big Screen Competition.
Japan’s Free Stone Productions has sold director Junji Sakamoto’s period drama Okiku And The World to Hugo East for China.
Set in mid-19th-century Edo (now known as Tokyo), the film follows two men who collect waste from tenement toilets to turn into fertilizer to sell on to farmers. When they meet schoolteacher Okiku, the daughter of a fallen samurai, romance ensues but not without its challenges.
Fresh off its world premiere at Rotterdam’s Big Screen Competition where the festival noted its “impish humour and...
Japan’s Free Stone Productions has sold director Junji Sakamoto’s period drama Okiku And The World to Hugo East for China.
Set in mid-19th-century Edo (now known as Tokyo), the film follows two men who collect waste from tenement toilets to turn into fertilizer to sell on to farmers. When they meet schoolteacher Okiku, the daughter of a fallen samurai, romance ensues but not without its challenges.
Fresh off its world premiere at Rotterdam’s Big Screen Competition where the festival noted its “impish humour and...
- 2/20/2023
- by Jean Noh
- ScreenDaily
When it comes to jidaigeki, most people’s minds conjure images of honour-bound samurai and quaint Edo-era villages. Evidently, director Junji Sakamoto envisions shit-covered peasants and social injustice. With his latest film, “Okiku and the World”, the filmmaker presents a different vision of Japan’s Edo-era than the one we’re used to seeing.
Okiku and the World screened at International Film Festival Rotterdam
Beginning in the late summer of 1858, we follow Yasuke (Sosuke Ikematsu) and Chuji (Kanichiro), two vagrants who deal in an oddly valuable commodity that Edo’s citizens provide in abundance – human excrement. The pair trek around the city, collecting shit and selling it to farmers as fertiliser. The two manage to find humour in this lowly existence, but that doesn’t free them from poverty. In one of the tenements where Chuji collects manure, a woman named Okiku (Haru Kuroki) is struck by a tragedy that changes her life permanently.
Okiku and the World screened at International Film Festival Rotterdam
Beginning in the late summer of 1858, we follow Yasuke (Sosuke Ikematsu) and Chuji (Kanichiro), two vagrants who deal in an oddly valuable commodity that Edo’s citizens provide in abundance – human excrement. The pair trek around the city, collecting shit and selling it to farmers as fertiliser. The two manage to find humour in this lowly existence, but that doesn’t free them from poverty. In one of the tenements where Chuji collects manure, a woman named Okiku (Haru Kuroki) is struck by a tragedy that changes her life permanently.
- 2/11/2023
- by Tom Wilmot
- AsianMoviePulse
By Paul Caspers
Junji Sakamoto was born in 1958 and shot his first 16 mm short in 1986. His lengthy filmography includes movies about boxers—including his debut feature “Knockout” (1989)—and yakuza, political thrillers, historical films, and domestic dramas, and much besides. He used to be known for macho protagonists, but when gave the stage actress Naomi Fujiyama her first starring role in “Face” (2000), he gathered international acclaim, which has eluded him since. Hailed as ‘one of the unsung heroes of modern Japanese cinema’ by the critic Tony Rayns, he never became a household name, but the qualities and the sheer diversity of his work suggest a re-evaluation is overdue.
Junji Sakamoto’s latest film “Okiku and the World” had its world premiere at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, ahead of its Japanese release in late April, and the writer-director, attending the festival for the first time in 22 years, agreed to answer a few questions.
Junji Sakamoto was born in 1958 and shot his first 16 mm short in 1986. His lengthy filmography includes movies about boxers—including his debut feature “Knockout” (1989)—and yakuza, political thrillers, historical films, and domestic dramas, and much besides. He used to be known for macho protagonists, but when gave the stage actress Naomi Fujiyama her first starring role in “Face” (2000), he gathered international acclaim, which has eluded him since. Hailed as ‘one of the unsung heroes of modern Japanese cinema’ by the critic Tony Rayns, he never became a household name, but the qualities and the sheer diversity of his work suggest a re-evaluation is overdue.
Junji Sakamoto’s latest film “Okiku and the World” had its world premiere at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, ahead of its Japanese release in late April, and the writer-director, attending the festival for the first time in 22 years, agreed to answer a few questions.
- 2/8/2023
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
Junji Sakamoto is a director whose long career hasn’t yet hit the heights in both critical acclaim and international exposure. “My Brother, the Android and Me” has a notable cast and certainly looks the part, but does this part sci-fi/part psychological thriller have all the necessary parts to make a satisfying whole?
“My Brother, the Android and Me” is screening at Nippon Connection
Kaoru (Etsushi Toyokawa) is a robotics engineer at a university, but is often preoccupied, neglecting both his teaching and the projects for which he is funded. Suffering from seizures in his legs, he instead spends his days trying to develop an android replica of himself in the family home.
But he hasn’t just been neglecting his work, and his father’s illness prompts his half-brother, Yamashita (Masanobu Ando), to contact him, demanding he sells the family home to pay for the medical fees. But...
“My Brother, the Android and Me” is screening at Nippon Connection
Kaoru (Etsushi Toyokawa) is a robotics engineer at a university, but is often preoccupied, neglecting both his teaching and the projects for which he is funded. Suffering from seizures in his legs, he instead spends his days trying to develop an android replica of himself in the family home.
But he hasn’t just been neglecting his work, and his father’s illness prompts his half-brother, Yamashita (Masanobu Ando), to contact him, demanding he sells the family home to pay for the medical fees. But...
- 6/1/2022
- by Andrew Thayne
- AsianMoviePulse
After a hiatus as theaters in New York City and beyond closed their doors during the pandemic, we’re delighted to announce the return of NYC Weekend Watch, our weekly round-up of repertory offerings. While many theaters are still focused on a selection of new releases, there’s a handful of worthwhile repertory screenings taking place.
Roxy Cinema
Prints of Speed Racer, Nightmare Alley, Batman Returns, and Amadeus screen through the weekend.
Metrograph
Films by Stanley Donen, Jonathan Glazer, Melvin Van Peebles and others are playing in a series curated by Diamantino director Daniel Schmidt; the Wachowskis’ Bound screens Friday night.
Museum of the Moving Image
“See It Big: Extravaganzas!” offers films by Hype Williams, Ulrike Ottinger, and Zhang Yimou.
Japan Society
A fantastic 4K restoration of Priest of Darkness, by one of Japanese cinema’s great figures, Sadao Yamanaka, plays on Friday, while films by Naomi Kawase, Junji Sakamoto,...
Roxy Cinema
Prints of Speed Racer, Nightmare Alley, Batman Returns, and Amadeus screen through the weekend.
Metrograph
Films by Stanley Donen, Jonathan Glazer, Melvin Van Peebles and others are playing in a series curated by Diamantino director Daniel Schmidt; the Wachowskis’ Bound screens Friday night.
Museum of the Moving Image
“See It Big: Extravaganzas!” offers films by Hype Williams, Ulrike Ottinger, and Zhang Yimou.
Japan Society
A fantastic 4K restoration of Priest of Darkness, by one of Japanese cinema’s great figures, Sadao Yamanaka, plays on Friday, while films by Naomi Kawase, Junji Sakamoto,...
- 12/17/2021
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
After a hiatus as theaters in New York City and beyond closed their doors during the pandemic, we’re delighted to announce the return of NYC Weekend Watch, our weekly round-up of repertory offerings. While many theaters are still focused on a selection of new releases, there’s a handful of worthwhile repertory screenings taking place.
Metrograph
“Lost Histories” offers the rarely screened On the Silver Globe and Southland Tales, among others, while films by Tarkovsky, Wenders, and more play in “The Russians Love Their Children Too,” ; a Lynne Sachs retro is underway.
Museum of the Moving Image
“See It Big: Extravaganzas!” offers films by Wes Anderson, Guy Maddin, and Francis Ford Coppola; a kung-fu retro is are underway.
Japan Society
A fantastic 4K restoration of Tange Sazen and the Pot Worth a Million Ryo, by one of Japanese cinema’s great figures, Sadao Yamanaka, plays on Saturday, while films by Naomi Kawase,...
Metrograph
“Lost Histories” offers the rarely screened On the Silver Globe and Southland Tales, among others, while films by Tarkovsky, Wenders, and more play in “The Russians Love Their Children Too,” ; a Lynne Sachs retro is underway.
Museum of the Moving Image
“See It Big: Extravaganzas!” offers films by Wes Anderson, Guy Maddin, and Francis Ford Coppola; a kung-fu retro is are underway.
Japan Society
A fantastic 4K restoration of Tange Sazen and the Pot Worth a Million Ryo, by one of Japanese cinema’s great figures, Sadao Yamanaka, plays on Saturday, while films by Naomi Kawase,...
- 12/9/2021
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
After a hiatus as theaters in New York City and beyond closed their doors during the pandemic, we’re delighted to announce the return of NYC Weekend Watch, our weekly round-up of repertory offerings. While many theaters are still focused on a selection of new releases, there’s a handful of worthwhile repertory screenings taking place.
Anthology Film Archives
One of the great filmmakers, experimental or otherwise, is given a major retrospective—it’s Michael Snow Season.
Spectacle
A muse of Godard and Rivette, Juliet Berto made her directorial debut with the crime film Neige; long unavailable, it’s been restored and screens this Saturday.
Film at Lincoln Center
A series on Danny Glover and Louverture Films features Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives on 35mm, Zama, and more.
IFC Center
As World of Wong Kar-wai keeps going, Death Proof (on 35mm), Showgirls, Lost Highway, Mulholland Dr., House,...
Anthology Film Archives
One of the great filmmakers, experimental or otherwise, is given a major retrospective—it’s Michael Snow Season.
Spectacle
A muse of Godard and Rivette, Juliet Berto made her directorial debut with the crime film Neige; long unavailable, it’s been restored and screens this Saturday.
Film at Lincoln Center
A series on Danny Glover and Louverture Films features Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives on 35mm, Zama, and more.
IFC Center
As World of Wong Kar-wai keeps going, Death Proof (on 35mm), Showgirls, Lost Highway, Mulholland Dr., House,...
- 12/2/2021
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
Flash Forward: Debut Works and Recent Films by Notable Japanese Directors from December 3 – 23, 2021
Highlighting the early efforts of now-established contemporary filmmakers, the Japan Society has announced the second Aca Cinema Project series Flash Forward: Debut Works and Recent Films by Notable Japanese Directors, which takes an intimate look at six of Japan’s most well-known directors: Naomi Kawase, Miwa Nishikawa, Shuichi Okita, Junji Sakamoto, Akihiko Shiota and Masayuki Suo. Pairing each debut with a recent work, the series presents two distinct facets of each filmmaker’s career – encouraging dialogue and interplay as well as tracking the development of their signature voice. By drawing parallels and contrasts between past and present, Flash Forward illuminates the importance of these pivotal early works within each artist’s career. Co-presented by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, in collaboration with Visual Industry Promotion Organization.
Tickets for in-person and online screenings are available from the Japan Society website: https://www.japansociety.org/arts-and-culture/films/flash-forward-japanese-films.
Tickets for in-person and online screenings are available from the Japan Society website: https://www.japansociety.org/arts-and-culture/films/flash-forward-japanese-films.
- 11/30/2021
- by Suzie Cho
- AsianMoviePulse
A stellar snapshot of recent Japanese cinema is coming next month to the Japan Society. Flash Forward: Debut Works and Recent Films by Notable Japanese Directors––which takes an intimate look at six of Japan’s most well-known directors: Naomi Kawase, Miwa Nishikawa, Shuichi Okita, Junji Sakamoto, Akihiko Shiota, and Masayuki Suo––will feature films available to stream nationwide from Dec. 3-23 and two in-person screenings in Japan Society’s auditorium on December 11 and 17. Ahead of the series, we’re pleased to exclusively debut the festival trailer.
Pairing each debut with a recent work, the series presents two distinct facets of each filmmaker’s career—encouraging dialogue and interplay as well as tracking the development of their signature voice. By drawing parallels and contrasts between past and present, Flash Forward illuminates the importance of these pivotal early works within each artist’s career.
Series highlights include Naomi Kawase’s...
Pairing each debut with a recent work, the series presents two distinct facets of each filmmaker’s career—encouraging dialogue and interplay as well as tracking the development of their signature voice. By drawing parallels and contrasts between past and present, Flash Forward illuminates the importance of these pivotal early works within each artist’s career.
Series highlights include Naomi Kawase’s...
- 11/15/2021
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Exclusive: The second Aca Cinema Project series, “Flash Forward: Debut Works and Recent Films by Notable Japanese Directors,” has set its lineup for a hybrid program that will run from December 3-23. Presented by the New York-based non-profit Japan Society and the Japanese government’s Agency for Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Visual Industry Promotion Organization, the event will be comprised of 18 films streaming in North America on Japan Society’s Virtual Cinema hub, along with two in-person screenings on December 11 and 17.
Highlighting the early efforts of now-established contemporary filmmakers, the program takes a look at six of Japan’s well-known directors: Naomi Kawase, Miwa Nishikawa, Shuichi Okita, Junji Sakamoto, Akihiko Shiota and Masayuki Suo. Pairing each of their debuts with a recent work, the series presents two facets of their careers. (Scroll down for the full list.) Panel discussions will also be held with some of the filmmakers and available to stream worldwide.
Highlighting the early efforts of now-established contemporary filmmakers, the program takes a look at six of Japan’s well-known directors: Naomi Kawase, Miwa Nishikawa, Shuichi Okita, Junji Sakamoto, Akihiko Shiota and Masayuki Suo. Pairing each of their debuts with a recent work, the series presents two facets of their careers. (Scroll down for the full list.) Panel discussions will also be held with some of the filmmakers and available to stream worldwide.
- 11/4/2021
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Choosing to live a double-life, while quite complicated and next-to-impossible in reality, is one of the most interesting themes in literature and movies. Especially combined with the thriller-genre it can lead to quite interesting narratives, for example, with the idea of a gangster of a hitman having to disguise his or her actions in front of others. In his new feature film prolific Japanese filmmakers Junji Sakamoto, whose drama “Another World” won the Audience Award at Tokyo International Film Festival 2018, utilizes that concept in a blend of drama and comedy telling the story of a wannabe writer of crime fiction who disguises himself as an infamous killer in the Japanese underworld.
I Never Shot Anyone is screening at Camera Japan
By daytime, Susumu Ichikawa (Renji Ishibashi) is a writer of hard-boiled crime thrillers, whose work is respected by his publisher but put on hold as it lacks the qualities which...
I Never Shot Anyone is screening at Camera Japan
By daytime, Susumu Ichikawa (Renji Ishibashi) is a writer of hard-boiled crime thrillers, whose work is respected by his publisher but put on hold as it lacks the qualities which...
- 9/24/2021
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Another excellent sample of Japanese filmmaking, “A Chorus of Angels” implements all the distinct characteristics of the country’s cinema, while excelling at the technical department, with magnificent sound and cinematography, and the awards from the Japanese Academy for Best Music Score, Cinematography and Lighting being utterly justified.
Based on the short story “Ni-jyu Nian Go no Shyukudai” from the “Oufuku Shokan” collection by Kanae Minato, τhe film revolves around Haru Kawashima, a retired school teacher, who currently works as a librarian, the six students (3 boys and 3 girls) she had when she was teaching in a remote village in Hokkaido 20 years before, the chorus they have assembled, an accident that brought their relationship to demise, and a number of secrets that have been lurking since that time and poisoned their relationships. When she is informed that Nobuto Suzuki, one of her students who was slightly mentally incapacitated is accused of murder,...
Based on the short story “Ni-jyu Nian Go no Shyukudai” from the “Oufuku Shokan” collection by Kanae Minato, τhe film revolves around Haru Kawashima, a retired school teacher, who currently works as a librarian, the six students (3 boys and 3 girls) she had when she was teaching in a remote village in Hokkaido 20 years before, the chorus they have assembled, an accident that brought their relationship to demise, and a number of secrets that have been lurking since that time and poisoned their relationships. When she is informed that Nobuto Suzuki, one of her students who was slightly mentally incapacitated is accused of murder,...
- 7/31/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
No. 82 in Kinema Jumpo’s Top 100 Japanese Films of All Time Poll in 1999, “Knockout” was one of the biggest successes in Japan on its year of release, netting awards for direction and cast from the majority of the local competitions.
Eiji Adachi fell in love with boxing from his childhood, eventually following up until he became a champion, always having Takako in his corner, both in the fights and real life, although the romance between them never actually materialized. As the story begins, however, Eiji suffers a shattering defeat, which sends him to the hospital with brain damage. The operation is successful but the doctors inform Eiji that he will no longer be able to fight. Frustrated, angry with everyone around him, even punching all those who try to help him, eventually he decides to open his own gym, with the help of a transvestite promoter, forgetting his promise to both his former coach,...
Eiji Adachi fell in love with boxing from his childhood, eventually following up until he became a champion, always having Takako in his corner, both in the fights and real life, although the romance between them never actually materialized. As the story begins, however, Eiji suffers a shattering defeat, which sends him to the hospital with brain damage. The operation is successful but the doctors inform Eiji that he will no longer be able to fight. Frustrated, angry with everyone around him, even punching all those who try to help him, eventually he decides to open his own gym, with the help of a transvestite promoter, forgetting his promise to both his former coach,...
- 7/13/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Boxing has always been a very cinematic sport, with the its overall rules and the head-to-head mentality providing material for both captivating scripts and impressive visuals. Asian cinema has also been dealing with the concept, even if sporadically, but recently, there has been a surge of titles revolving around boxing, as we are still waiting for Brillante Mendoza’s “Gensan Punch”, which the protagonist, Shogen, having described the shooting as a once in a lifetime experience.
Among these titles, we picked 15 we think are among the most captivating to watch, as always with a focus on diversity in country of origin, filmmaker and style, although Japan has taken the lion’s share of entries in this list. The list is in chronological order.
1. Knockout
Violent, funny, dramatic and quirky are few of the contradictory words that can describe both “Knockout” and Hidekazu Akai, who plays the protagonist here, Eiji. As...
Among these titles, we picked 15 we think are among the most captivating to watch, as always with a focus on diversity in country of origin, filmmaker and style, although Japan has taken the lion’s share of entries in this list. The list is in chronological order.
1. Knockout
Violent, funny, dramatic and quirky are few of the contradictory words that can describe both “Knockout” and Hidekazu Akai, who plays the protagonist here, Eiji. As...
- 7/12/2021
- by AMP Group
- AsianMoviePulse
Takumi Saitoh is an actor, filmmaker, mobile cinema sponsor and monochrome photographer. Beginning as a model in his teens, Takumi Saitoh’s name has made inroads into such lands as Europe and Asia and has walked for shows during Paris Fashion Week. After working in advertising with Wing Shya, photographer for Director War Wong Kai , an opportunity arose for Saitoh to make his acting debut in the Korean film reboot of “Toki no Kaori – Remember Me.” Having appeared in many television and films, including “13 Assassins” on which he met director Takashi Miike, he appeared in Miike’s next 3 works, “Ace Attorney”, “For Love’s Sake” and the drama, “Qp” consecutively. For his starring role in “For Love’s Sake”, Miike lauded, “Takumi Saitoh was born to play Hiroshi Iwashimizu.” In 2017, Saitoh won the 31st annual Takasaki Film Festival, Best Supporting Actor Award for “The Projects” directed by Junji Sakamoto.
- 4/29/2020
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
My “excursion” in the slow-burning Japanese family drama continues with “Another World”, another indie that deals with social issues in the remote areas of Japan, which manages to stand out, though, due to its deeply dramatic impact.
“Another World” is screening at Nippon Connection
The story revolves around three childhood friends, now closing on becoming middle-aged. Hiroshi owns a charcoal kiln he inherited from his father, in a rather hard line of work that has led him to neglect his hard-working wife, Hatsuno, and particularly his son, Akira, who bears a grudge with him for not realizing he is being harshly bullied at school. Mitsuhiko is the gang’s “clown” always being cheerful and in a good mood, despite the hardships his alcoholic father bares on him, and runs the local car dealership. When the third friend, Eisuke, returns from his service in the Japan Self-Defence Forces obviously traumatized, the three friends,...
“Another World” is screening at Nippon Connection
The story revolves around three childhood friends, now closing on becoming middle-aged. Hiroshi owns a charcoal kiln he inherited from his father, in a rather hard line of work that has led him to neglect his hard-working wife, Hatsuno, and particularly his son, Akira, who bears a grudge with him for not realizing he is being harshly bullied at school. Mitsuhiko is the gang’s “clown” always being cheerful and in a good mood, despite the hardships his alcoholic father bares on him, and runs the local car dealership. When the third friend, Eisuke, returns from his service in the Japan Self-Defence Forces obviously traumatized, the three friends,...
- 5/31/2019
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The Mikhael Hers-directed drama “Amanda,” about a man who ends up caring for his seven-year-old niece when her mother is killed, was awarded the Tokyo Grand Prix at the Tokyo International Film Festival’s closing ceremony today. The film also took the best screenplay award in the festival 31st edition, which runs Oct. 25 to Nov. 3.
“Amanda” premiered in competition at this year’s Venice Film Festival. But it left without a prize. It will release in Japan next year, through distributor Bitters End, the director said in a video message.
The second-place special jury prize went to Michael Noer’s “Before the Frost.” Unfolding in the 19th Century Danish countryside, the film previously screened in the contemporary world cinema section at Toronto.
Italy’s Edoardo De Angelis was named best director for “The Vice of Hope,” a drama set in the Naples sex industry. The best actress honors went to Pina Turco,...
“Amanda” premiered in competition at this year’s Venice Film Festival. But it left without a prize. It will release in Japan next year, through distributor Bitters End, the director said in a video message.
The second-place special jury prize went to Michael Noer’s “Before the Frost.” Unfolding in the 19th Century Danish countryside, the film previously screened in the contemporary world cinema section at Toronto.
Italy’s Edoardo De Angelis was named best director for “The Vice of Hope,” a drama set in the Naples sex industry. The best actress honors went to Pina Turco,...
- 11/2/2018
- by Mark Schilling
- Variety Film + TV
One of the many tall, slender, handsome guys who populate (and in some cases over-populate) Japanese TV dramas and films, Hiroki Hasegawa is also not the usual model-turned-actor. After graduating from Tokyo’s Chuo University, he joined the famed Bungei-za theater company, an incubator of acting talent for generations, and appeared in productions by renowned stage director Yukio Ninagawa.
After turning 30, he began to act on TV, and several years later, in films. Now 42, he has worked with such internationally known auteurs as Sion Sono (“Why Don’t You Play In Hell?”) and Kiyoshi Kurosawa (“Before We Vanish”), while winning a 2017 Japan Academy best actor prize for his work in the smash “Shin Godzilla.”
Hasesgawa stars in two films at this year’s Tokyo International Film Festival: Junji Sakamoto’s dark drama “Another World,” which screens in competition, and Daishi Matsunaga’s “Hekishu,” the Myanmar-set segment of the three-part omnibus “Asian Three-Fold Mirror 2018: Journey.
After turning 30, he began to act on TV, and several years later, in films. Now 42, he has worked with such internationally known auteurs as Sion Sono (“Why Don’t You Play In Hell?”) and Kiyoshi Kurosawa (“Before We Vanish”), while winning a 2017 Japan Academy best actor prize for his work in the smash “Shin Godzilla.”
Hasesgawa stars in two films at this year’s Tokyo International Film Festival: Junji Sakamoto’s dark drama “Another World,” which screens in competition, and Daishi Matsunaga’s “Hekishu,” the Myanmar-set segment of the three-part omnibus “Asian Three-Fold Mirror 2018: Journey.
- 10/26/2018
- by Mark Schilling
- Variety Film + TV
Total of 16 titles set for this year’s Competition line-up.
Tokyo International Film Festival has announced the 16 titles that will compete in its International Competition, including the world premieres of His Master’s Voice, from Hungary’s Gyorgy Palfi, Fruit Chan’s Three Husbands, Veit Helmer’s The Bra and Liu Hao’s The Poet.
Tiff’s competition line-up will also include the world premieres of two Japanese titles – Junji Sakamoto’s Another World and Rikiya Imaizumi’s Just Only Love (see full line-up below).
Leading Philippines filmmaker Brillante Ma Mendoza is heading this year’s Competition jury, which also comprises Us producer Bryan Burk,...
Tokyo International Film Festival has announced the 16 titles that will compete in its International Competition, including the world premieres of His Master’s Voice, from Hungary’s Gyorgy Palfi, Fruit Chan’s Three Husbands, Veit Helmer’s The Bra and Liu Hao’s The Poet.
Tiff’s competition line-up will also include the world premieres of two Japanese titles – Junji Sakamoto’s Another World and Rikiya Imaizumi’s Just Only Love (see full line-up below).
Leading Philippines filmmaker Brillante Ma Mendoza is heading this year’s Competition jury, which also comprises Us producer Bryan Burk,...
- 9/25/2018
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
Two Japanese films have been selected for the main competition at the 31st Tokyo International Film Festival (Tiff) next month.
Junji Sakamoto's Another World is the story of three old friends facing life as they head toward their forties.
Of the film, competition programming director Yoshi Yatabe said it "humanely depicts the life-affirming drama of a married couple."
Meanwhile, Rikiya Imaizumi's Just Only Love is a tale of one-sided devotion based on a novel by Mitsuyo Kakuta.
"Imaizumi's filmmaking has been enriched with the new perspective of a female author. Yukino Kishii, who is full of coquettish ...
Junji Sakamoto's Another World is the story of three old friends facing life as they head toward their forties.
Of the film, competition programming director Yoshi Yatabe said it "humanely depicts the life-affirming drama of a married couple."
Meanwhile, Rikiya Imaizumi's Just Only Love is a tale of one-sided devotion based on a novel by Mitsuyo Kakuta.
"Imaizumi's filmmaking has been enriched with the new perspective of a female author. Yukino Kishii, who is full of coquettish ...
- 9/21/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Two Japanese films have been selected for the main competition at the 31st Tokyo International Film Festival (Tiff) next month.
Junji Sakamoto's Another World is the story of three old friends facing life as they head toward their forties.
Of the film, competition programming director Yoshi Yatabe said it "humanely depicts the life-affirming drama of a married couple."
Meanwhile, Rikiya Imaizumi's Just Only Love is a tale of one-sided devotion based on a novel by Mitsuyo Kakuta.
"Imaizumi's filmmaking has been enriched with the new perspective of a female author. Yukino Kishii, who is full of coquettish ...
Junji Sakamoto's Another World is the story of three old friends facing life as they head toward their forties.
Of the film, competition programming director Yoshi Yatabe said it "humanely depicts the life-affirming drama of a married couple."
Meanwhile, Rikiya Imaizumi's Just Only Love is a tale of one-sided devotion based on a novel by Mitsuyo Kakuta.
"Imaizumi's filmmaking has been enriched with the new perspective of a female author. Yukino Kishii, who is full of coquettish ...
- 9/21/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Two Japanese films, “Another World” and “Just Only Love” have been selected for the main competition section at next month’s Tokyo International Film Festival. “Both these films represent inspired Japanese film making,” said competition programmer Yoshi Yatabe.
Directed by Junji Sakamoto, “Another World” is a life-affirming drama about the friendship of three old friends and a married couple. The main character, in particular, has difficulty relating to family matters. The cast includes Goro Inagaki and Chizuru Ikewaki.
Tangled loves and obsession are the main strands of “Just Only Love,” directed by Rikiya Imaizumi, a filmmaker who has made a career from romantic dramedies. “Just Only Love” is adapted from a novel by female writer Mitsuyo Kakuta.
Organizers previously announced that the festival will open with Bradley Cooper’s Lady Gaga-starring “A Star is Born.” It will close with “Godzilla: The Planet Eater.” Co-directed by Kobun Shizuno and Hiroyuki Seshita,...
Directed by Junji Sakamoto, “Another World” is a life-affirming drama about the friendship of three old friends and a married couple. The main character, in particular, has difficulty relating to family matters. The cast includes Goro Inagaki and Chizuru Ikewaki.
Tangled loves and obsession are the main strands of “Just Only Love,” directed by Rikiya Imaizumi, a filmmaker who has made a career from romantic dramedies. “Just Only Love” is adapted from a novel by female writer Mitsuyo Kakuta.
Organizers previously announced that the festival will open with Bradley Cooper’s Lady Gaga-starring “A Star is Born.” It will close with “Godzilla: The Planet Eater.” Co-directed by Kobun Shizuno and Hiroyuki Seshita,...
- 9/21/2018
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
After asking a number of artists that appear in our reviews and interviews, both in Amp and Asian Film Vault, to list their favorite movies of their country, we inaugurate a new column in Asian Movie Pulse, where we are going to present their selections.
The first “guest” of the column is no other than Toshiaki Toyoda, director of “Pornostar“, “Blue Spring”, “Hanging Garden” and “9 Souls” among others.
Here are his top ten Japanese films, in random order.
1. The Man Who Stole the Sun
A high school science teacher builds an atomic bomb and uses it to extort the nation, but cannot decide what he wants. Meanwhile, a determined cop is catching up to him, as is radiation poisoning.
2. Knock Out
A Japanese boxer stages a dramatic and dangerous comeback after suffering brain damage in the ring.
3. Woman in the Dunes
An entomologist on vacation is trapped...
The first “guest” of the column is no other than Toshiaki Toyoda, director of “Pornostar“, “Blue Spring”, “Hanging Garden” and “9 Souls” among others.
Here are his top ten Japanese films, in random order.
1. The Man Who Stole the Sun
A high school science teacher builds an atomic bomb and uses it to extort the nation, but cannot decide what he wants. Meanwhile, a determined cop is catching up to him, as is radiation poisoning.
2. Knock Out
A Japanese boxer stages a dramatic and dangerous comeback after suffering brain damage in the ring.
3. Woman in the Dunes
An entomologist on vacation is trapped...
- 5/3/2018
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Chicago – The fourth season of Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema series continues with the Chicago premiere of “The Projects” on Wednesday, April 5th, 2017, at the AMC River East Theatre in downtown Chicago. “The Projects” has been described as one of the “zanier elements of Japanese cinema.” For complete details and to purchase tickets, click here.
‘The Projects,’ Directed by Junji Sakamoto, Presented by Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema Series
Photo credit: AsianPopUpCinema.org
“The Projects,” directed by Junji Sakamoto, is a comedy involving Hinako (Naomi Fujiyama) and her husband Seiji (Ittoku Kishibe). They have lost their son to an accident, and they give up their herbal medicine business, moving to a housing project. They are contacted by Mr. Shinjo (Takumi Saito), because only their herbal remedies help an affliction that he has. When Seiji suddenly disappears, the mystery of his whereabouts and who Mr. Shinjo really is are all in question.
‘The Projects,’ Directed by Junji Sakamoto, Presented by Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema Series
Photo credit: AsianPopUpCinema.org
“The Projects,” directed by Junji Sakamoto, is a comedy involving Hinako (Naomi Fujiyama) and her husband Seiji (Ittoku Kishibe). They have lost their son to an accident, and they give up their herbal medicine business, moving to a housing project. They are contacted by Mr. Shinjo (Takumi Saito), because only their herbal remedies help an affliction that he has. When Seiji suddenly disappears, the mystery of his whereabouts and who Mr. Shinjo really is are all in question.
- 4/3/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
While every film aficionado and their mother seem to know about major film festivals like Sundance, Cannes, Toronto and New York, some of the year’s most interesting films make their first real splash at festivals and series with a much smaller reach. In New York alone various series like New Directors/New Films, The Art Of The Real and the recent New York Asian Film Festival have become home to some of any given year’s most interesting, thought provoking and genuinely exciting pieces of work. And now we have the 10th edition of the much lauded Japan Cuts series.
Marking this special anniversary with a lineup of roughly 30 features and 20 shorts, the festival is currently running from July 14-24 at Japan Society in New York City, and with a blend of new and repertory screenings, this lineup is one of the most dense and diverse in recent memory.
Marking this special anniversary with a lineup of roughly 30 features and 20 shorts, the festival is currently running from July 14-24 at Japan Society in New York City, and with a blend of new and repertory screenings, this lineup is one of the most dense and diverse in recent memory.
- 7/15/2016
- by Joshua Brunsting
- CriterionCast
Chinese director Liu Jie’s De Lan won best film at this year’s Shanghai International Film Festival, while Vito Palmieri’s See You In Texas won the grand jury prize.Scroll down for full list of winners
Liu’s rural tale revolves around a loan officer who travels to a remote village and strikes up a complicated relationship with a Tibetan woman. The director is currently working on Hide And Seek, a Chinese adaptation of a Korean thriller, co-financed by Village Roadshow Pictures Asia.
Palmieri’s See You In Texas tells the story of a young Italian woman who has to make difficult decisions when she is offered an opportunity to perfect her horse-riding skills on a ranch in Texas.
Among other winners, Finnish filmmaker Antti Jokinen picked up best director for Flowers Of Evil; Liu Ye won best actor for his performance in Cao Baoping’s Cock And Bull; and Naomi Fujiyama took best actress...
Liu’s rural tale revolves around a loan officer who travels to a remote village and strikes up a complicated relationship with a Tibetan woman. The director is currently working on Hide And Seek, a Chinese adaptation of a Korean thriller, co-financed by Village Roadshow Pictures Asia.
Palmieri’s See You In Texas tells the story of a young Italian woman who has to make difficult decisions when she is offered an opportunity to perfect her horse-riding skills on a ranch in Texas.
Among other winners, Finnish filmmaker Antti Jokinen picked up best director for Flowers Of Evil; Liu Ye won best actor for his performance in Cao Baoping’s Cock And Bull; and Naomi Fujiyama took best actress...
- 6/20/2016
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Tiff’s Midnight Madness program turned 25 this year, and for two and half decades, the hardworking programers have gathered some of the strangest, most terrifying, wild, intriguing and downright entertaining films from around the world. From dark comedies to Japanese gore-fests and indie horror gems, the Midnight Madness program hasn’t lost its edge as one the leading showcases of genre cinema. In its 25-year history, Midnight Madness has introduced adventurous late-night moviegoers to such cult faves as Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused and Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. But what separates Midnight Madness from, say, Montreal’s three and half week long genre festival Fantasia, is that Tiff selects only ten films to make the cut. In other words, these programmers don’t mess around. Last week I decided that I would post reviews of my personal favourite films that screened in past years. And just like the Tiff programmers,...
- 9/18/2013
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Aside from brief roles in films like “Two Days In New York” for Julie Delpy (see below) or Japanese director Junji Sakamoto in “Human Trust,” Vincent Gallo has so far largely kept his promise of focusing on ethereal self-made works—of the moment and sheltered from the “dark energies of the public.” Along with his discussed philosophy, he denied his 2010 directorial effort, “Promises Written on Water” a proper release, and so when a new, mysterious project appears on the actor’s web site, temper your expectations accordingly. In the “Acting” section of VincentGallo.com, a new film credit has been added at the top—an 88-minute film entitled “April”—with only a few sparse but intriguing details accompanying it. Alongside the predictable credits of “written, produced, and directed” by Gallo (also playing the lead, “Seth Goldstone”), there is also a co-star, James Ira Gurman. If that actor sounds unfamiliar, it...
- 8/9/2013
- by Charlie Schmidlin
- The Playlist
With a trailer for his unreleased 2007 sex comedy “Oliviero Rising" hitting the web a few weeks back, the rare presence of Vincent Gallo on the film scene recently grew just a bit more noticeable. The actor/director's own output, like directorial effort “Promises Written In Water,” remains an unknown in terms of a proper release, but in terms of appearing before a camera, a globe-trotting Japanese film will feature Gallo later this year. In a characteristically unexpected move, Gallo has been announced as the final cast member for director Junji Sakamoto's suspense drama “Human Trust,” which finished filming in Japan, Russia, Thailand, and the U.S. this past spring. Centered on the legendary “M Fund,” a supposed stash of treasure from WWII, the film follows a conman Yuichi (Kôichi Satô of “Sukiyaki Western Django”) as he's hired to travel across the globe and steal the money by two mysterious men.
- 7/12/2013
- by Charlie Schmidlin
- The Playlist
A new 1-minute trailer has been released for Junji Sakamoto’s upcoming film Strangers in the City.
Based on an award-winning mystery novel by Tatsuo Shimizu, the film stars Toru Nakamura as former teacher named Hatano who was fired in the wake of a scandal involving his relationship with his student Masako (Manami Konishi). The two married, but divorced soon afterward and went their separate ways. Years later, Hatano is teaching job at a small cram school in his hometown. However, when one of his young female students (Nao Minamisawa) disappears, he uncovers a criminal conspiracy involving his former school, leading to a reunion with his former love Masako after 12 years.
“Strangers in the City” will be screened at the Tokyo International Film Festival on October 25, 2010. Toei will follow up with a theatrical release from November 20, 2010.
Source: Official website...
Based on an award-winning mystery novel by Tatsuo Shimizu, the film stars Toru Nakamura as former teacher named Hatano who was fired in the wake of a scandal involving his relationship with his student Masako (Manami Konishi). The two married, but divorced soon afterward and went their separate ways. Years later, Hatano is teaching job at a small cram school in his hometown. However, when one of his young female students (Nao Minamisawa) disappears, he uncovers a criminal conspiracy involving his former school, leading to a reunion with his former love Masako after 12 years.
“Strangers in the City” will be screened at the Tokyo International Film Festival on October 25, 2010. Toei will follow up with a theatrical release from November 20, 2010.
Source: Official website...
- 10/4/2010
- Nippon Cinema
A new 1-minute trailer has been released for Junji Sakamoto’s upcoming film Strangers in the City.
Based on an award-winning mystery novel by Tatsuo Shimizu, the film stars Toru Nakamura as former teacher named Hatano who was fired in the wake of a scandal involving his relationship with his student Masako (Manami Konishi). The two married, but divorced soon afterward and went their separate ways. Years later, Hatano is teaching job at a small cram school in his hometown. However, when one of his young female students (Nao Minamisawa) disappears, he uncovers a criminal conspiracy involving his former school, leading to a reunion with his former love Masako after 12 years.
“Strangers in the City” will be screened at the Tokyo International Film Festival on October 25, 2010. Toei will follow up with a theatrical release from November 20, 2010.
Source: Official website...
Based on an award-winning mystery novel by Tatsuo Shimizu, the film stars Toru Nakamura as former teacher named Hatano who was fired in the wake of a scandal involving his relationship with his student Masako (Manami Konishi). The two married, but divorced soon afterward and went their separate ways. Years later, Hatano is teaching job at a small cram school in his hometown. However, when one of his young female students (Nao Minamisawa) disappears, he uncovers a criminal conspiracy involving his former school, leading to a reunion with his former love Masako after 12 years.
“Strangers in the City” will be screened at the Tokyo International Film Festival on October 25, 2010. Toei will follow up with a theatrical release from November 20, 2010.
Source: Official website...
- 10/4/2010
- Nippon Cinema
In the few short years since making her film debut with an impressively precocious performance in Akihiko Shiota's Canary, 19-year-old Mitsuki Tanimura has established herself as one of the most interesting actresses in her age bracket. While it would be easy for a young idol signed to a major talent agency to just coast by on her looks with modeling gigs and appearances in schmaltzy TV dramas (as most girls of her stature do quite happily), Tanimura keeps jumping clean off the radar, signing on to act in some seriously oddball projects with little potential for press coverage, let alone financial success. And it's not as if her career has stalled -- far from it. In addition to several small films by unestablished directors, she's also slated to appear in Toshio Lee's Box!, Takashi Miike's remake of Thirteen Assassins, and Junji Sakamoto's Yukizuri no Machi, among others.
- 3/25/2010
- Nippon Cinema
Toho has released the first trailer for the allegedly last part of the incredibly popular Zatoichi film series that started back in 1962. In Zatoichi The Last (座頭市 The Last) our favorite blind masseur and sword fighter (played by Smap member Shingo Katori) tries to settle down in his home village with his wife (Satomi Ishihara) but of course can’t because there’s some local trouble that needs to be solved with wits and the use of his hidden katana.
[See post to watch Flash video]
Zatoichi The Last is directed by Junji Sakamoto (Children of the Dark) and will open on May 29, 2010 in Japan. I can’t wait to see if Toho will really end the series with this film or if they’re already planning some Zatoichi X oder Zatoichi Zero pre/sequels.
[via Quiet Earth]...
[See post to watch Flash video]
Zatoichi The Last is directed by Junji Sakamoto (Children of the Dark) and will open on May 29, 2010 in Japan. I can’t wait to see if Toho will really end the series with this film or if they’re already planning some Zatoichi X oder Zatoichi Zero pre/sequels.
[via Quiet Earth]...
- 3/6/2010
- by Ulrik
- Affenheimtheater
While it has been known for some time that Shingo Katori from the Japanese Pop-group Smap (jup, the one from the Ninja Scroll live-action adaptation) will continue the work of Shintaro Katsu and Takeshi Kitano and will play the role of Ichi, the full cast has just been announced. Tokyograph mentions Takashi Sorimachi (Fulltime Killer, Yamato) and Satomi Ishihara (The Climber’s High) in supporting roles and Chieko Baisho, Youki Kudoh, Koichi Iwaki, Yoshio Harada, Kanzaburo Nakamura and Seishiro Kato in smaller roles.
But I think more interesting than all these names is the fact that Sorimachi will play a close friend of Ichi while cute Ishihara will be his wife!
Looks like director Junji Sakamoto (Children of the Dark, Chameleon) wants to show another side of the lone wolf Ichi, who already went through a sex change in 2008 when Haruka Ayase played his/her part in Ichi.
The shooting began in early March,...
But I think more interesting than all these names is the fact that Sorimachi will play a close friend of Ichi while cute Ishihara will be his wife!
Looks like director Junji Sakamoto (Children of the Dark, Chameleon) wants to show another side of the lone wolf Ichi, who already went through a sex change in 2008 when Haruka Ayase played his/her part in Ichi.
The shooting began in early March,...
- 4/23/2009
- by Ulrik
- Affenheimtheater
It’s the end of an era, folks. Toho Studios have announced the launch of production of Zatoichi The Last and word is that the title is an appropriate one: Toho are saying that this will be the final entry in the long running Zatoichi canon. The story of the blind master swordsman has been a huge favorite for decades now so it comes as something of a surprise that Toho are pulling the plug on the title. Junji Sakamoto takes the helm of this one fresh on the heels of Chameleon - I seem to have been one of the only people who really liked that one - with Smap’s Shingo Katori taking on the role, which means we’re getting a much younger Zatoichi than we’re used to.
- 3/18/2009
- by Todd Brown
- Screen Anarchy
For fans of the long running film and tv series Zatoichi, the blind swordsman, it looks like Zatoichi The Last will be the final film according to Toho. Starring will be Shingo Katori, none of whose films I've seen like The Adventures of Super Monkey. Junji Sakamoto (Chameleon) is already directing as production started in Yamagata this past Sunday. As usual, the French have put some money on this project as they do with many other Nippon films, and the plan is to release the film next year and screen it at Cannes.
Hopefully more to come soon. via Tokyograph...
Hopefully more to come soon. via Tokyograph...
- 3/17/2009
- QuietEarth.us
From April 15th to 19th, Frankfurt transforms into the center of the Japanese film world when the Nippon Connection 2009 opens its doors once again. After giving us a first look at the highlights of the largest festival for Japanese film worldwide, the official site has now been updated with the full program that includes more than 150 feature and short films.
Nippon Cinema 20th Century Boys (Niju seiki shonen), R: Yukihiko Tsutsumi, J 2008
www.20thboys.com All Around Us (Gururi no koto), R: Ryosuke Hashiguchi, J 2008
www.gururinokoto.jp Detroit Metal City, R: Toshio Lee, J 2008
www.go-to-dmc.jp Genius Party Beyond, R: Masahiro Maeda, Koji Morimoto, Kazuto Nakazawa, Shinya Ohira, Tatsuyuki Tanaka, J 2008
www.genius-party.jp/beyond Genius Party, R: Atsuko Fukushima, Shoji Kawamori, Shinji Kimura, Yoji Fukuyama, Hideki Futamura, Masaaki Yuasa, Shinichiro Watanabe, J 2007
www.genius-party.jp/genius01 Gs Wonderland, R: Ryuichi Honda, J 2008
www.gs-w.jp Hells Angels,...
Nippon Cinema 20th Century Boys (Niju seiki shonen), R: Yukihiko Tsutsumi, J 2008
www.20thboys.com All Around Us (Gururi no koto), R: Ryosuke Hashiguchi, J 2008
www.gururinokoto.jp Detroit Metal City, R: Toshio Lee, J 2008
www.go-to-dmc.jp Genius Party Beyond, R: Masahiro Maeda, Koji Morimoto, Kazuto Nakazawa, Shinya Ohira, Tatsuyuki Tanaka, J 2008
www.genius-party.jp/beyond Genius Party, R: Atsuko Fukushima, Shoji Kawamori, Shinji Kimura, Yoji Fukuyama, Hideki Futamura, Masaaki Yuasa, Shinichiro Watanabe, J 2007
www.genius-party.jp/genius01 Gs Wonderland, R: Ryuichi Honda, J 2008
www.gs-w.jp Hells Angels,...
- 3/13/2009
- by Ulrik
- Affenheimtheater
Bangkok -- The Japanese director of a movie dropped from the lineup of the Bangkok International Film Festival said Wednesday that event organizers rejected his earlier offers to edit the film about child prostitution.
In mid-August, when the Shochiku-distributed "Children of the Dark" was invited to screen at the sixth annual Bangkok fest, director Junji Sakamoto offered to make cuts to make the film more palatable to the Thai audience, he said.
But festival programmers told him they wanted the film uncut -- this despite that project's rejection by Thailand's censor board two years ago -- Sakamoto said.
Festival officials did not respond to inquiries Wednesday.
Producer Masaomi Karasaki said that after the censor board rejected the project in 2006, he partnered with an unidentified Thai producer to ensure that "Children" was made legally as a Japanese-Thai co-production.
Japanese distributor Shochiku was first to receive word of the ban on Sept.
In mid-August, when the Shochiku-distributed "Children of the Dark" was invited to screen at the sixth annual Bangkok fest, director Junji Sakamoto offered to make cuts to make the film more palatable to the Thai audience, he said.
But festival programmers told him they wanted the film uncut -- this despite that project's rejection by Thailand's censor board two years ago -- Sakamoto said.
Festival officials did not respond to inquiries Wednesday.
Producer Masaomi Karasaki said that after the censor board rejected the project in 2006, he partnered with an unidentified Thai producer to ensure that "Children" was made legally as a Japanese-Thai co-production.
Japanese distributor Shochiku was first to receive word of the ban on Sept.
- 9/24/2008
- by By Joel Gershon
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Bangkok Film Festival ahs just pulled out Japanese director Junji Sakamoto’s Thailand set child prostitution drama “Children of the Dark” out of its lineup.
The film has been deemed inappropriate for Thai society. The film denied a permit to shoot in Thailand last year, according to the Thailand Film Office. But the producers managed to shoot in Bangkok by co producing with a local company.
The festival which begins on Tuesday announced that the film was part of its selection process last month. But now after the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Federation of National Film were told of the movies content, they decided to axe the film from its list.
“Even though the bad guys in this movie are foreigners, the movie contains inappropriate content about child prostitution that does not fit with Thailand society,” said Federation chairman Jaruek Kaljaruek.
Last...
(more...)...
The film has been deemed inappropriate for Thai society. The film denied a permit to shoot in Thailand last year, according to the Thailand Film Office. But the producers managed to shoot in Bangkok by co producing with a local company.
The festival which begins on Tuesday announced that the film was part of its selection process last month. But now after the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Federation of National Film were told of the movies content, they decided to axe the film from its list.
“Even though the bad guys in this movie are foreigners, the movie contains inappropriate content about child prostitution that does not fit with Thailand society,” said Federation chairman Jaruek Kaljaruek.
Last...
(more...)...
- 9/23/2008
- by John
- ReelSuave.com
Japan's impregnable Aegis escort ship is taken over by a rogue commander in this high-seas variant on The Hunt for Red October. A lumbering action-adventure weighted down by the ballast of mechanical aesthetics and pat storytelling, this load is not likely to navigate in commercial waters much beyond the Tokyo area.
On a straight course to Davy Jones' Locker, Aegis never sails beyond the doldrums of its mechanical rendering.
Usually one must attend a science fiction movie to encounter such drab dialogue and clunky expositional narrative. Essentially, the storyline is akin to that of a generic actioner with a mothership-type colossus preparing to launch against the home planet, in this case, Tokyo. A renegade officer has pilfered a deadly toxin from a U.S. military base and has staged a mutiny on the formidable Aegis.
While the plot springs from the political malaise of modern-day Japan -- in which the effete nature of the Japanese military is questioned -- Aegis is, essentially, a load of narrative ballast. The screenplay is strictly by the numbers, and the dialogue is so leaden with exposition that one never identifies with any of the characters: They are all talking heads or, in the case of the casts' uninspired delivery, barking heads.
Visually, Aegis is also a stinker. Despite keen cooperation from Japanese naval authorities, director Junji Sakamoto never captures the dominant stature of the vessel, shooting in a drab glaze of medium-shots, punctuated by talking heads.
While staged with precision, Aegis clanks with the fakeness such micro-aesthetic attention fosters. Most woefully, the action scenes smack of choreography, and what should be visually a "big" movie never sails beyond dinghy dimension.
On a straight course to Davy Jones' Locker, Aegis never sails beyond the doldrums of its mechanical rendering.
Usually one must attend a science fiction movie to encounter such drab dialogue and clunky expositional narrative. Essentially, the storyline is akin to that of a generic actioner with a mothership-type colossus preparing to launch against the home planet, in this case, Tokyo. A renegade officer has pilfered a deadly toxin from a U.S. military base and has staged a mutiny on the formidable Aegis.
While the plot springs from the political malaise of modern-day Japan -- in which the effete nature of the Japanese military is questioned -- Aegis is, essentially, a load of narrative ballast. The screenplay is strictly by the numbers, and the dialogue is so leaden with exposition that one never identifies with any of the characters: They are all talking heads or, in the case of the casts' uninspired delivery, barking heads.
Visually, Aegis is also a stinker. Despite keen cooperation from Japanese naval authorities, director Junji Sakamoto never captures the dominant stature of the vessel, shooting in a drab glaze of medium-shots, punctuated by talking heads.
While staged with precision, Aegis clanks with the fakeness such micro-aesthetic attention fosters. Most woefully, the action scenes smack of choreography, and what should be visually a "big" movie never sails beyond dinghy dimension.
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