Eric Bresler presents
In cooperation with
Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
Unknown Japan
Little seen artifacts of Japanese Cinema
WED February 2, 2011: Abashiri Prison (1965)
WED February 9, 2011: Black Cat (1968)
WED February 16, 2011: Pastoral: To Die in the Country (1974)
WED February 23, 2011: High Teen Boogie (1982)
WED March 2, 2011: Labyrinth of Dreams (1997)
WED March 9, 2011: Hinokio: Inter Galactic Love (2005)
All features include English subtitles.
All screenings are free and begin at 7pm.
Location:
The Bellevue
200 South Broad Street, 7th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
WED February 2, 2011, 7:00 pm
Abashiri Prison (1965)
Dir: Teruo ISHII
92 min
A rough-and-tumble group of likable inmates quietly plot methods of escape from the snow-covered hills of Northern Japan in this adventure-filled first installment of the popular Abashiri Prison series. Genre heavyweight Ken Takakura (The Yakuza, Black Rain) rose to fame with his portrayal of honorable nihilist Shinichi Tsukibana, a role that he reprised 17 times (kinda) over the course of seven years. Writer/director Teruo Ishii (Female Yakuza Tale, Detonation! Violent Games) expertly takes viewers from the chilly isolation of prison to the bleak landscapes of Hokkaido. This is the only film I’ve ever seen that features a chase scene on runaway handcars.
WED February 9, 2011, 7:00 pm
Black Cat (1968)
Dir: Kaneto Shindo
95 min
The vengeful ghosts of a mother and her daughter-in-law lure unsuspecting soldiers to their deaths in feudal Japan. With Noh-influenced visuals and a general atmosphere of fearful lawlessness, director Kaneto Shindo (The Naked Island, Onibaba) successfully returned to the horror genre with this haunting portrait of old Japan that doesn’t skimp on shocks or gore.
WED February 16, 2011, 7:00 pm
Pastoral: To Die in the Country (1974) aka Pastoral Hide and Seek
Dir: Shuji TERAYAMA
104 min
The prolific king of the Japanese avant-garde attempts to explore his childhood on film, grows frustrated with the subjective intricacies of the process and, instead, creates an honest, evocative portrait of a fragile adult and the ghosts of his past. Slightly more coherent than his experimental works of the previous decade (e.g. Emperor Tomato Ketchup) though every bit as unique, Pastoral is a gorgeous, haunting examination of the lasting influence of youth. This film contains strong sexual situations and is thus recommended for daring ADULT film goers.
WED February 23, 2011, 7:00 pm
High Teen Boogie (1982)
Dir: Toshio MASUDA
131 min
The silliest and least known film in this series, High Teen Boogie is a virtually uncategorizable ’80s teen film that served as the second vehicle for 18 year old pop star Masahiko “Matchy” Kondo. An obvious riff on Grease soon progresses in unpredictable directions as veteran writer/director Toshio Masuda (Like a Shooting Star, Space Battleship Yamato) follows a destitute young couple through the streets of modern Yokohama. The film features several moments of surprise Hausu-like insanity though it maintains a cheerful, breezy atmosphere. For fans of biker gangs, musical numbers, boxing, motorcycle racing, band battles, voice over thoughts, punk rock t-shirts, and star-shaped scene transitions.
WED March 2, 2011, 7:00 pm
Labyrinth of Dreams (1997)
Dir: Sogo ISHII
90 min
A young female bus conductor (Rena Komine) suspects her new driver (Tadanobu Asano) is a serial killer in this slow-paced mystery/thriller. Shot in stark black and white, this intoxicating film marks the first of four collaborations between cult favorite director Sogo Ishii (Crazy Thunder Road, Angel Dust) and fan favorite actor Asano (Ichi the Killer, Mongol).
WED March 9, 2011, 7:00 pm
Hinokio: Inter Galactic Love (2005)
Dir: Takahiko AKIYAMA
107 min
Family night! Following a tragic accident, a young boy replaces himself in society with a remote controlled robot that his scientist father created. The robot, Hinokio, slowly makes both friends and enemies with its fellow classmates as the young boy begins a journey towards acceptance. Skillfully directed by visual effects guru Takahiko Akiyama, this award-winning family drama examines the youth and familial relationships of today’s tech-heavy Japan. Suitable for all ages.
Contact: eric@ericbresler.com
