Sanchu Uprising: Voices at Dawn Tag 新しき民リアル鬼ごっこ

Home , Aoi Miyazaki, Chikage Awashima, Cold Fish, Guilty of Romance, Hana and Alice, Hirofumi Arai

WELCOME TO THE JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL 2016

The continued collaboration between the Embassy of Japan and access>cinema has now reached its eighth year. Without the support of the Ireland Japan Association and the Japan Foundation, it wouldn’t have been possible. This year we will have 22 different films showing in Cork, Limerick, Galway, Dundalk, Waterford, Sligo and of course, Dublin. We are delighted so many people throughout Ireland will get to experience these fantastic films. This year’s programme is one of the best yet, including films such as 100 Yen Love, a multi- award winning drama about how one argument can help transform your life. Nominated as Japan’s selection for Best Foreign Film at the 2016 Academy Awards, this film will surely warm your heart. When Marnie Was There, nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 2016 Academy Awards, is a Studio Ghibli produced animation telling the story of Anna, and her friendship with Marnie, who promises to keep her secrets from everyone. If you’re a fan of superstar idol Atsuko Maeda, we have two of her films: Initiation Love, a romance with a dark twist, and Tamako in Moratorium about an unemployed university graduate living with her father. 2016 is the 5th anniversary of the Great East Japan earthquake. Joy of Man’s Desiring is a film that explores the impact an unnamed earthquake has on children who lost their parents in the disaster. Informed by the director’s own childhood experience after the 1995 Kobe earthquake this film won a special mention at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival. We are always looking for more ways to introduce Japanese culture to Irish people, especially as we approach 2017 when Ireland and Japan celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. If you have any suggestions or comments, they are always welcome.

Enjoy & Arigato! Embassy of Japan & access>CINEMA ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM THE BOY AND THE BEAST 暗殺教室バケモノの子

The smash-hit manga adaptation where everyone’s Mamoru Hosada's recent Japanese Academy Award favourite teacher is also everyone’s favourite target! prize-winner is a glorious animation about friendship.

Having already destroyed the the violent blood-bath tale its name Orphaned nine-year-old Ren escapes old-school kendo showdowns and moon, a mysterious visitor from would lead those unfamiliar with the streets of contemporary Tokyo irresistible echoes of The Karate Kid outer space, named Koro-sensei, the source material to expect. into Jutengai, the kingdom of the and The Jungle Book as Kumatetsu announces that he intends to do Instead this is a fun, irreverent and beasts. There he becomes disciple and Kyûta improve one another: the same to Earth. But this alien – a surprisingly smart film. The young to the boorish, ursine Kumatetsu, there are even nods to Digimon, cross between an emoticon and a cast are impressive, but the star of one of two anthropomorphic animal the show that marked Hosoda’s giant yellow octopus – seems to the show is undoubtedly Koro-sensei candidates poised to inherit the breakthrough. The residents of like a challenge, and so offers the (voiced by Kazunari Ninomiya realm's throne when the current Jutengai warm to the interloper- government a puzzling deal. He of Japanese boy-band Arashi), an Lord reincarnates as a deity. Ren hero, despite their collective fear of will train Class 3-E, the worst class entertaining and enigmatic presence – renamed Kyûta by his master – the ‘darkness of the human heart’. in the prestigious Kunugigaoka throughout. By the film’s end this becomes a promising martial artist That darkness – and a riff borrowed Junior High School, to defeat him; fantasy creation has become a fully and young man but complications from Moby Dick – powers along but if they fail to take him out by developed character for the viewer arise when he discovers the route a surprising third act as Kyûta graduation day, humankind will and so unexpectedly provides an back to the human world. seeks out the mysterious son of meet its fate. emotional heart to the film, in what Kumatetsu’s chief rival. An affecting is an otherwise insane and frantic Mamoru Hosoda explores loyalty, coming-of-age drama enlivened Based on the popular manga and setup. As you leave the cinema, familial bonds, prejudice and by elaborate plotting and playful TV series, this live action version you’ll find it hard not to smile – just depression through imaginatively folklore, the film has already grossed of Assassination Classroom is not like Koro-sensei! rendered parallel worlds. There are more than $50 million.

EIICHIRO HASUMI (born 1967) made his debut with Sea Monkey (Umizaru, 04). Since MAMORU HOSODA (born 1967) first emerged as a key animator onDragonball Z and then he has brought out a best-selling film almost every year in Japan, continuing the the director behind Digimon. Few could have guessed watching those smash-‘em-ups Umizaru series with Limit of Love (06), The Last Message (10), and Brave Hearts (12). that the filmmaker, who studied oil painting, would graduate onto such splendid looking For television he has directed such titles as Double Face (12), and seasons 1 and 2 of and emotionally involving science-fiction asThe Girl Who Leapt Through Time and the police drama MOZU (14). Assassination Classroom was one of the biggest hits of Summer Wars. Like Wolf Children (2012), The Boy and the Beast sees him reconfiguring 2015 in Japan. mythology. Many have come to regard him as the new Hayao Miyazaki. THE CASE OF HANA & ALICE CHIGASAKI STORY 花とアリス殺人事件３泊４日、５時の鐘

Acclaimed director Shunji Iwai revisits two of his There’s plenty of romance and misunderstandings most memorable characters in this charming by the beach in a film that marks Takuya Misawa as animated prequel. a director to watch.

When Alice (Yu Aoi) moves to a new Using rotoscoped animation to Tomoharu is a self-conscious Chigasaki Story is a charming and town, she discovers her classmates allow the cast to play younger student working in a beachside understated – not to mention very are obsessed with a bizarre mystery. versions of themselves, director inn. Conservative Maki and funny – film from first-time writer/ The ‘Judas murder’ apparently Shunji Iwai here revisits the main outgoing Karin arrive at the inn a director Takuya Misawa. Shot in saw one boy disappear, with the characters from his cult 2004 few days ahead of a wedding party the inn where Yasujiro Ozu spent other students believing there hit Hana & Alice. This charming for innkeeper Risa. While Karin months writing some of his most was a supernatural cause behind prequel recaptures the sense of fun attempts to woo Tomoharu, Maki beloved scripts, this is also a film everything. Unable to get straight and energy of the original, with Aoi reconnects with a college professor easily recommended to anyone who answers, Alice finds herself drawn and Suzuki’s chemistry as strong who has brought a group of enjoys the vintage comedy-dramas towards her reclusive neighbour as ever. The Case of Hana & Alice is students to the area for a field trip. of Woody Allen or Eric Rohmer. Hana (Anne Suzuki) who has a welcome opportunity for fans to In the run-up to the wedding day, With assured direction and its refused to return to school since the spend time with these two lovable old relationships are tested while empathetic approach to characters, incident. Together, Hana and Alice characters again, while also proving new ones are formed... the delightful Chigasaki Story marks start to uncover the truth behind to be a perfect introduction for Misawa out as a welcome new voice the mystery while forming a strong newcomers. in Japanese cinema. friendship in the process.

SHUNJI IWAI (born 1963) started his directing career on TV dramas and music videos. TAKUYA MISAWA (born 1987) studied at the Japan Institute of the Moving Image, His breakthrough feature Love Letter (95) proved a critical and commercial hit. He went the prestigious school founded by Shohei Imamura. Chigasaki Story (14) is Misawa’s on to become one of Japan's most popular and acclaimed directors thanks to films such first feature, and has screened at international film festivals including Rotterdam and as Swallowtail Butterfly (96), All About Lily Chou Chou (01) and Hana and Alice (04). He Beijing. He has also helped with production on a number of other features, and served also directed the English language filmVampire (11) and a segment of New York, I Love as assistant director on Taksu (14) directed by Kiki Sugino (who also plays a main role You (08). The Case of Hana & Alice (15) is his first animated feature. in Chigasaki Story). EARLY SUMMER THE EMPEROR IN AUGUST 晩春日本のいちばん長い日

© 2015 "THE EMPEROR IN AUGUST" FILM PARTNERS DIRECTOR: Yasujiro Ozu | 1951 | 124 minutes | Cert: CLUB DIRECTOR: Masato Harada | 2015 | 135 minutes | Cert: CLUB STARRING: Setsuko Hara, Chishu Ryu, Chikage Awashima, Kuniko Miyake, Ichiro Sugai STARRING: Koji Yakusho, Masahiro Motoki, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Shinichi Tsutsumi

We remember the great Setsuko Hara, Ozu’s favourite Masato Harada’s accomplished period film recreates the actress, in a rare screening of this classic. hours leading up to Japan’s official surrender in WWII.

There’s No Place Like Home plays on independent Japanese woman – are August 1945 – World War II is Reworking the same source the soundtrack of Ozu’s unhurried, favourite preoccupations for Ozu. coming to an end. Germany has material as Kihachi Okamoto’s sly depiction of seismic familial The seamless shifts in tone between fallen and the Allies are demanding 1967 epic The Longest Day – the shifts. Noriko lives contentedly in a humour and melancholy – another that Japan accept the Potsdam writings of historian Kazutoshi multigenerational home that houses directorial specialty – are seldom Declaration. An Imperial War Hando – director Masato Harada her elderly parents and her brother's as delicate as they are here. The Council, established by Premier (Chronicle of my Mother) presents family. The clan are keen for Noriko visuals are equally balanced: his only Suzuki (Tsutomu Yamazaki) at the a tense, less sentimental version (the great Setsuko Hara, who died known crane shot offers beautiful request of the Emperor, and which of the last days leading to Japan’s last September, aged 95) to be geometry. “Setsuko Hara is a fine includes Army Minister General eventual surrender. With strong married off. But her final decision person; if only there were four or Anami (Koji Yakusho) debates at emphasis on the inside perspective on the matter is both impulsive and five more such persons,” said Ozu length on how to proceed. The of the Emperor Hirohito, and discombobulating. of his leading lady, who also starred decision is a difficult one – the using his excellent cast to full in Late Spring (1949) and Tokyo Army is resistant to accepting effect, Harada delivers an elegant, This serene, slyly complex film is Story (1953). Her performance in defeat and surrendering, while accomplished film that manages to often overlooked within the ‘Noriko Early Summer offers a masterclass in the Emperor wishes for peace to create a suspenseful and intriguing Trilogy’. Its themes – generational small, delicate movements. protect Japanese civilians from historical account out of procedural conflict and the emergence of a new, further attacks. wartime negotiations.

YASUJIRO OZU (born 1903) began his career during the silent era and made dozens MASATO HARADA (born 1949) is a director, writer and actor. In 1979 he wrote and of films before his death in 1963. The serene humanism that underlines his best-loved directed his first feature Goodbye Flickmania. He has made films across a wide works – including Late Spring (49), Tokyo Story (53), Floating Weeds (59), and An range of genres including Spellbound (99), The Choice of Hercules (02), Chronicle Autumn Afternoon (62) – is as indelible as his technical innovation. A director’s director, of My Mother (12) and Kakekomi (15). The Emperor in August (15) is his latest film. in 2012 Ozu’s Tokyo Story was voted the greatest film of all time by an extensive panel of filmmakers. THE EMPIRE OF CORPSES I AM A MONK 屍者の帝国ボクは坊さん。

The first film in an anime trilogy based on the award- A light-hearted comedy about an ordinary man who winning steampunk sci-fi novels of the late Japanese must take on extraordinary work when he becomes the author Project Itoh. Abbot of his temple.

In 19th century London, the experiments come to the attention 24-year-old Susumu may have I Am A Monk is a light-hearted, development of a technology called of the UK government’s secret been raised in a temple and honest depiction of the realities of “corpse reanimation” allows for society, the Walsingham Institution, attended Buddhist university, life for the ordinary people who the creation of dead servants who he is recruited by them to search for but he has chosen to work in a undertake the role of monks in perform basic physical labour Frankenstein’s private papers and bookshop rather than train as an Japan. Based on the best-selling for humans. ensure that they don't fall into the apprentice monk. However when memoirs of Missei Shirakawa wrong hands. his grandfather, the temple’s – the current Abbot at Eifukuji Young medical student John Abbot, suddenly becomes ill and Temple (the 57th stop on the fabled Watson has become obsessed with The Empire of Corpses is the first dies, Susumu decides it is time 88-temple pilgrimage in Shikoku) – replicating Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s film in an anime trilogy based on to accept his familial duty and first-time director Yukinori Makabe work from over a century ago. The the award-winning science fiction take his grandfather’s place. As presents an enlightening, heartfelt legendary corpse engineer produced novels of the late Japanese author he learns that his new job has and humanising portrait of a young the only re-animated corpse to Project Itoh. mundane duties and unexpected man’s gradual discovery of the possess a soul and Watson wants challenges similar to any other, meaning in a profession that he to use Victor’s research to bring his he must also try to live up to the had expected to leave behind. own recently deceased friend back community’s expectations of him to life. But when Watson’s illegal as a spiritual leader.

RYOTARO MAKIHARA (born 1980) has worked as a key animator on the TV Series YUKINORI MAKABE (born 1984) joined the production company ROBOT, where he Paranoia Agent (04) and films such asThe Place Promised in Our Early Days (04), worked as assistant director on films includingThe Bayside Shakedown the Final (12) Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie (05), Summer Wars (09) and Colourful (10). He has and Always – Sunset on Third Street 3 (12). He has directed a number of short films also directed TV episodes of Tatami Galaxy (10) and Guilty Crown (11). His feature including The Sun and the Moon (12), Tokyo Sky Story (13) and A Piece of Dogu (14). directorial feature HAL (13) screened at JFF 2014. The Empire of Corpses (15) is his I am a Monk (15) is his first feature. latest film. INITIATION LOVE JOY OF MAN’S DESIRING イニシエーション・ラブ人の望みの喜びよ

It seems like another ‘boy meets girl’ story… A thoughtful and poignant look at two young children but this time not everything is as it seems. coming to terms with the tragic consequences of an earthquake.

Set in the 1980s, Initiation Love Initiation Love makes no secret that After a devastating earthquake, Five years on from the Tohoku tells the story of Suzuki, who on a there’s a twist in the tale, letting 12-year-old Haruna (Ayane earthquake and tsunami, Joy of night out with friends finds himself audiences know there’s a ‘secret’ Omori) and her much younger Man’s Desiring is a heartbreaking falling head over heels in love with before the film even starts. While brother Shota (Riku Oishi) are left account of the human costs of a charming Mayu. After a few dates, that tease and eventual reveal orphaned. They are taken in by natural disaster. The two young the two become an item. Time adds an extra layer of mystery and their aunt and uncle, who choose lead actors manage incredible passes and a fitter, more confident surprise, even without it Yukihiko not to tell the injured Shota that performances that beautifully Suzuki is promoted in his job and Tsutsumi’s film – based on a his parents have died. As Shota and subtly capture the emotional has to move to Tokyo. Both he and popular novel – is an endearingly waits for his parents to return, complexities of the film. Meanwhile, Mayu agree to maintain a long- perceptive relationship study. The Haruna is adjusting to a new writer/director Masakazu Sugita distance relationship. However, film doesn’t downplay or attempt home and school. She soon finds resists scenes of destruction and the energy of city life and the long to apologise for Suzuki’s actions, herself overcome by loneliness and easy melodrama, choosing instead weekend trips home provoke a making this a romantic tale brave guilt, haunted by the secret she is a quieter, more poetic approach. personality change in Suzuki. He enough to explore what happens in keeping from her brother. This is a devastating but deeply finds himself increasingly attracted the aftermath of your average happy humanistic work. to his co-worker Miyako and drifting rom-com ending. away from Mayu...

YUKIHIKO TSUTSUMI (born 1955) is a veteran film and television director. His MASAKAZU SUGITA (born 1980) studied in the Visual Concept Planning Department previous work includes Forbidden Siren (06), Happily Ever After (07) and the 20th at Osaka University. His short films includeThank You for the Dream! (03) and The Century Boys trilogy (08-09). He was named Best Director by the Sports Hochi Serenity Prayer (11). Joy of Man’s Desiring is his first feature film, and had its world newspaper in 2015 for his work on Initiation Love (15) and The Big Bee (15) – an premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival 2014. award previously given to the likes of Sion Sono, Hayao Miyazaki and Takeshi Kitano. LITTLE FOREST: SUMMER/AUTUMN LOVE AND PEACE リトル・フォレスト夏・秋ラブ＆ピース

This lovely, tranquil film is a celebration of country A bizarre and brilliant clash of ideas and genres living and the endless joys of cooking & eating. involving a disillusioned office worker and his giant turtle.

After a few years of city living, You might want to have a table pre- Kyo is an office worker living his If the synopsis sounds bizarre, Ichiko (Ai Hashimoto, The booked for your favourite restaurant, life in constant fear of rejection and in action Love and Peace is even Kirishima Thing) has moved back because you will be hungry after mockery. An adopted turtle named stranger. There’s a lot going on to her home village in Japan’s watching Little Forest. This is a Pikadon is his only friend and here – it’s a fantasy movie, a mountainous Tohoku region. She loving tribute to proper cooking and confidante. However, when Kyo monster film, a musical, a romance commits to living off the land, rural living, and you’ll definitely impulsively flushes Pikadon down and a black comedy all at the same spending her time making some be tempted to try out some of the the toilet in a fit of rage, things take time. He may be working with a of her estranged mother’s favourite delicious recipes on display here. a turn for the surreal. The turtle bigger budget than usual, but this recipes and carrying out some The setting is stunning, with winds up in a mysterious sewer lair, is a Sion Sono film through and experiments of her own. As the director Junichi Mori spending lots where an old man cares for a ragtag through, with a dizzying amount of seasons pass and the crops allow of time capturing the local sights, group of toys and creatures he has surreal and ingenious ideas thrown Ichiko to cook ever more tantalising sounds and wildlife. The story is brought to life. After consuming a at the audience. You’ve heard this meals and treats, her reasons for cleverly told in episodic chunks that magical sweet, Pikadon explodes said about a lot of films before, but returning home come into focus complement the delicious food on in size and commits to fulfilling you’ve really never seen anything through a series of flashbacks. display, and it’s all held together its former owner’s every wish. quite like Love and Peace. through a charismatic performance Meanwhile. Kyo is unwittingly from Ai Hashimoto. Little Forest is, propelled down a path that leads simply put, an absolute treat. him to superstardom.

JUNICHI MORI (born 1967) worked in TV & film as an assistant director and writer SION SONO (born 1981) began making 8mm films while attending Hosei University. before making his first filmLaundry (02). The screenplay for this debut was awarded His feature films includeSuicide Club (01), Strange Circus (05), Love Exposure (08), the prestigious Sundance/NHK International Filmmakers Award in 2000. He has gone which won the FIPRESCI Prize at Berlin, Cold Fish (10), Guilty of Romance (11), Himizu on to direct films such as Ren'ai-Shousetsu (04) and A Pierrot (09). The Little Forest (11), The Land of Hope (12), Why Don't You Play in Hell? (13) and Tokyo Tribe (14). He films marked his return to the big screen after spending several years working on released a number of films in 2015, including Tag and Love and Peace. television movies and series. MISS HOKUSAI 100 YEN LOVE 百日紅百円の恋

Colorful director Keiichi Hara’s gorgeous anime This smart and stylish boxing film was Japan’s depicts the life of Edo-era painter Hokusai and official submission to the 2016 Oscars Best his daughter, O-Ei. Foreign Language category.

The new film by the director of An adaptation of Hinako Sugiura's Lazy Ichiko (Sakura Ando, Love Japan’s latest submission for the Colorful (which screened in the manga Sarusuberi, Hara stays true Exposure) lives at home above her Oscars Best Foreign Language Film 2011 Festival) focuses on the to the episodic nature of the source family’s takeaway restaurant, rarely category, 100 Yen Love is one of the untold story of O-Ei, daughter of material, using this technique motivated to venture outside at most assured Japanese independent the renowned Edo period Japanese to explore a range of interesting all. A family dispute forces her to films of recent times. It brings fresh artist Katsushika Hokusai. O-Ei subjects and themes, whilst eventually leave home and find her energy and insight to many of the is an independent, headstrong holding the narrative-arc together own place. She takes a night shift at great ‘boxing movie’ standards, but young woman and a talented with O-Ei’s presence throughout. the local ‘100 Yen’ convenience store also marks a major departure from painter who assists her father in The animation is rich yet delicate, to pay her rent. Meanwhile, she that familiar formula. It’s hilarious, his work but never steps out from and shows exceptional attention finds herself increasingly fascinated thrilling, surprising, inspiring beneath his shadow. Told from to detail. It’s no surprise that it by Yuji, an older man she spots and moody all at the same time. O-Ei’s point of view, Miss Hokusai scooped three awards at the 2015 training at a nearby boxing gym. As Masaharu Take’s visceral direction portrays a complex father-daughter Fantasia International Film Festival she begins an awkward friendship and a truly extraordinary central relationship that involves her in Montreal, including the Gold with Yuji, a violent encounter with a performance from Sakura Ando finishing his paintings but also Audience Award for best animated sleazy co-worker provokes Ichiko to make 100 Yen Love a very special participating in frank discussions feature film. take up boxing herself. film indeed. with him about how she can improve her own erotic art.

KEIICHI HARA (born 1959) graduated from Tokyo Designer Gakuin College. He started MASAHARU TAKE (born 1967) graduated from Meiji University before beginning his his career in TV, taking the role of head of animation for Doraemon (84–87) before career as an assistant director on films includingMemories of Matsuko (06). He made working on series like Esper Mami (87). Between 1993 and 2002 he built his reputation his directorial debut with Boy Meets Pusan (06). His other films include the Cafe as a writer and director on the cult series Kureyon Shin-Chan and its spin-off films. His Daikanyama series (08) and Eden (12). 100 Yen Love (14) is his eighth film. feature films include Summer Days with Coo (07) and the Annecy-winning Colorful (10). His latest film, Miss Hokusai (15) has gained international critical accolades. SANCHU UPRISING: VOICES AT DAWN TAG 新しき民リアル鬼ごっこ

SANCHU UPRISING: VOICES AT DAWN © 2014 IKKINO PROJECT © 2015 "TAG" FILM COMMITTEE DIRECTOR: Juichiro Yamasaki | 2014 | 117 minutes | Cert: CLUB DIRECTOR: Sion Sono | 2015 | 86 minutes | Cert: CLUB STARRING: Naohisa Nakagaki, Kano Kajiwara, Shoichi Honda, Yota Kawase STARRING: Reina Triendl, Mariko Shinoda, Erina Mano, Yuki Sakurai, Ami Tomite

A group of farmers revolt against the local landlords A wild, hyper-violent odyssey across dimensions in this impeccably made historical drama. from Japan’s enfant terrible Sion Sono.

Jihei is a farmer living with his wife The stunning black & white To say Tag opens with a bang is Tag, which boasts an almost entirely in Sanchu, Okayama Prefecture cinematography deserves to be seen understating things. Two buses female cast, is destined to be a during the early 18th century. The on the big screen, with Yamasaki full of schoolgirls are travelling cult classic – a surreal, stylish and local farmers are negotiating with pulling off the difficult trick of to a summer camp when a freak, shocking film that doesn't give the the local authorities to gain more making his film feel classical and bloody accident leaves Mitsuko audience a chance to catch their favourable tax rates. When the contemporary at the very same time. (Reina Triendl) the only survivor. breath. To say any more would ruin discussions don’t go according to Meanwhile, the narrative avoids easy Seemingly pursued by a malicious, the surprises, but it’s safe to say plan, the peasants revolt against answers to create something that is invisible force, a terrified Mitsuko Sion Sono has crafted some wildly their wealthy lords, with timid Jihei much more than a straightforward finds sanctuary at a nearby high imaginative setpieces here, held attempting to observe events from historical drama. A deeply school. There, she’s convinced by together by a story that will keep the sidelines. The uprising proves intelligent and complex film,Sanchu her friend Aki that the whole thing viewers on their toes. For all its to have major ramifications for Uprising is a must see for anybody was just a nightmare. Unfortunately, cult film bona fides, it also boasts a everybody involved – not least Jihei. interested in modern Japanese the peace doesn’t last for long before poignant, thoughtful emotional core filmmaking at its best. another burst of ultraviolence sees and features some of the cleverest Based on real events, Sanchu Mitsuko running and fighting for aerial drone photography yet seen Uprising: Voices at Dawn is a her life as the world she knows on the big screen. Make no mistake: captivating second feature from collapses around her… Tag is pure, unadulterated Sono. director Juichiro Yamasaki.

JUICHIRO YAMASAKI (born 1978) has been active in film and filmmaking since SION SONO (born 1981) ) began making 8mm films while attending Hosei University. university, having organised a student film festival alongside making his own shorts His feature films includeSuicide Club (01), Strange Circus (05), Love Exposure (08), and serving as an assistant director. After years living in cities, he moved to his which won the FIPRESCI Prize at Berlin, Cold Fish (10), Guilty of Romance (11), Himizu father's home village of Maniwa, Okayama to work as a tomato farmer. His first film, (11), The Land of Hope (12), Why Don't You Play in Hell? (13) and Tokyo Tribe (14). He The Sound of Light (11), examines farming life in modern Japan. Sanchu Uprising, released a number of films in 2015, including Tag and Love and Peace. which is set in Okayama, is his second film. THREE STORIES OF LOVE WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE 恋人たち思い出のマーニー

Ryosuke’s Hashiguchi’s first film in seven years, Arrietty director Hiromasa Yonebayashi’s Oscar nominated ranked as the best Japanese film of 2015, is a poignant animation, and Studio Ghibli's final film is a heartfelt and and real portrayal of love and loss. magical adaptation of Joan G. Robinson's classic novel.

A lonely bridge inspector devastated characters during an eight-month Lonely pre-teen Anna prefers encounters, inexplicably dirty or by the senseless murder of his wife; process. The result is a triumph. sketching and solitude to company; shoeless. a middle-aged housewife neglected Hashiguchi’s film may be concerned even when it comes to her evidently by her indifferent husband; an with themes of unfulfillment and doting adoptive mother. When Hiromasa Yonebayashi takes a arrogant gay lawyer whose success unhappiness, but he is also keen to Anna suffers an asthma attack, her painterly approach bringing moonlit does not extend to his relationships. explore the extraordinary ability of worried parents send her to rural nights and verdant landscapes to Atsushi, Toko and Takashi are people to confront, cope with and Kushiro, where she happens upon this lovely adaptation of Joan G three people with very different and overcome difficulties. Using both a mysterious abandoned mansion Robinson’s 1967 young adult classic. unconnected lives, but each is faced his excellent cast and pitch-black and the equally enigmatic Marnie, The last film to emerge from Studio with having to cope with personal humour he delivers an inspiring a similarly aged girl with cascading Ghibli, before the studio closed tragedy and disappointment. and human drama, and while there blonde locks and old-fashioned for ‘pause’ following the recent are no fairy-tale endings here, he attire. The two quickly become firm retirement of Hayao Miyazaki is, Ryosuke Hashiguchi’s first film in quietly encourages us to celebrate (and secret) friends but Marnie’s rather appropriately, characterised seven years began as a workshop life. Ranked by The Japan Times as propensity for disappearing and by magic and melancholy. The project. Casting unknowns in the the best domestic film of 2015, this reappearing suggest that she’s no intensity of Anna and Marnie’s three lead roles, he used the actors’ is a very real, heart-breaking yet ordinary 12-year-old. What’s more, relationship – recalling Ghost World personalities, as well as his own hopeful portrayal of what it means she seems to induce memory loss or a benign Heavenly Creatures – is experiences, to develop the film’s to love and also to lose love. in Anna, who wakes up after their poetically and sensitively handled.

RYOSUKE HASHIGUCHI (born 1962) directed 8mm films while still at secondary school. HIROMASA YONEBAYASHI (born 1973) or Maro – as his work chums call him – is a In 1989 his 8mm filmA Secret Evening won the Grand Prix at the Pia Film Festival. In long-time employee at Studio Ghibli, where he has worked as an animator on such 1992 his first feature, A Touch of Fever, screened at the Berlin International Film Festival. classics as Princess Mononoke (97), My Neighbours the Yamadas (99), Spirited Away His 2002 film Hush! was invited to screen at the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film (02) and Howl’s Moving Castle (04). He made his directorial debut with The Secret Festival and was released in 69 countries. He has also directed Like Grains of Sand (95), World of Arrietty (10), an adaption of Mary Norton’s The Borrowers. Last year, his All Around Us (08) and Zentai (13). Three Stories of Love (15) is his seventh feature film. second feature, When Marnie Was There, was nominated for an Academy Award. DUBLIN FILM CRITICS SPECIAL CIRCLE AT THE JAPANESE JAPAN FOUNDATION EVENTS FILM FESTIVAL 2016 DISCOVERY

Established in 2006, The Dublin The Japanese Film Festival is delighted to Film Critics Circle offers the country’s present screenings of four award-winning full-time professional movie reviewers Japanese films from the Japan Foundation an opportunity to pool opinions Film Library which have been chosen for on recent releases, consider movie their diverse representation of Japan. heritage and whinge about each other’s shortcomings. This year, for the fourth → A special ticket price applies to time, a jury representing the DFCC these screenings. members will name their selections for Best Film and Best Anime at the 8th Japanese Film Festival.

Daniel Anderson Click Magazine

Nicola Timmins Average Film Reviews

Donald Clarke The Irish Times

Hilary White The Sunday Independent

Brogen Hayes movies.ie

David Turpin nomoreworkhorse.ie

Tara Brady The Irish Times

GUEST SPEAKERS

TARA BRADY writes for The Irish Times and is chairperson of The Dublin Film Critics Circle. Tara will introduce the Dublin screening of Early Summer on Thursday April 21st. THE APOLOGY KING JOKYO MONOGATARI 謝罪の王様上京ものがたり

© 2013 "THE APOLOGY KING" FILM PARTNERS © 2012 RIEKO SAIBARA—SHOGAKUKAN / "TOKYO LOSERS" FILM PARTNERS DIRECTOR: Nobuo Mizuta | 2013 | 128 minutes | Cert: CLUB DIRECTOR: Toshiyuki Morioka | 2013 | 109 minutes | Cert: CLUB STARRING: Sadao Abe, Mao Inoue, Yutaka Takenouchi, Masaki Okada, Machiko Ono STARRING: Kii Kitano, Sosuke Ikematsu, Asaka Seto

What does it take to be a professional ‘apologist’? A young woman moves to Tokyo to pursue her Find out in this hilarious surreal comedy. dreams in this drama based on the life of manga artist Rieko Saibara.

Ryoro Kurojima (comedian Sadao may be out of his depth and that he The action of people relocating to Natsumi is a self-assured but naïve Abe, sporting a terrific bowler will need to extend himself beyond Tokyo is such common practice in country girl. She travels to Tokyo hair-cut) is the founder and director his normal apology methods. Japan that a verb has been assigned to attend college and pursue her of the Tokyo Apology Centre, to it – jokyo, defined as “proceeding dreams of becoming a published where he works as a professional Following up on their hits Maiko to the capital [Tokyo]”. The title of manga artist. But Natsumi is soon apologist. He specialises in the Haaaan!!! (07) and No More Toshiyuki Morioka’s film, based on brought down to earth with a bump practice of dogeza, a traditional Cry!!! (09), writer Kankuro Kudo, Rieko Saibara’s manga of the same when she finds herself having to form of apology that requires one to director Nobuo Mizuta and actor name, combines this reference scrape a living to stay in the city fall on one’s knees, forehead to the Sadao Abe reunite for this madcap, with the Japanese word for “story” – by juggling college, a low-paid job ground, prostrating oneself in the surreal “comedy of manners” with monogatari – to give a playful nod to and a good-for-nothing boyfriend. ultimate expression of repentance. hilarious results. Ozu’s classic 1953 film. If she wants to succeed, she must He teaches his apology techniques learn to pick herself up and use her to a host of clients to solve a experiences, both good and bad, as range of problems. But when he inspiration for her art. finds himself caught up in an international crisis, he realises he

NOBUO MIZUTA (born 1958) joined NTV in 1981 working initially as a producer on TV TOSHIYUKI MORIOKA (born 1960) founded the Straydog theatre company in 1993 before dramas. He has directed many TV shows including Mother (10), Tokkan (12), Woman becoming a screenwriter and film director. He has written the screenplays for films (13) and Mosaic Japan (14). He made his feature film debut in 2006 withHanada including Rokuro Mochizuki’s Another Lonely Hitman (95) and Takashi Miike’s Fudoh: The Shonenshi the Movie: Spirits and the Secret Tunnel. His other films includeMaiko New Generation (96). He made his directorial debut in 2000 with Requiem of Darkness, Haaaan!!! (07). paying homage to the 1948 Akira Kurosawa classic Drunken Angel. His other films include Mondai no nai Watashitachi (04), Tears of Kitty (07) and Your Story (09). PETAL DANCE TAMAKO IN MORATORIUM ペタルダンスもらとりあむタマ子

© 2013 "PETAL DANCE" FILM PARTNERS © 2013 “TAMAKO IN MORATORIUM” FILM PARTNERS DIRECTOR: Hiroshi Ishikawa | 2013 | 90 minutes | Cert: CLUB DIRECTOR: Nobuhiro Yamashita | 2013 | 78 minutes | Cert: CLUB STARRING: Aoi Miyazaki, Shiori Kutsuna, Sakura Ando, Kazue Fukiishi STARRING: Atsuko Maeda, Suon Kan, Yasuko Tomita

A road trip becomes a life-affirming journey when An unemployed university graduate slowly realises two women decide to visit an old college friend. she needs to make some life changes in this bittersweet family drama.

When old college friends Jinko and Writer/director Hiroshi Ishikawa’s Tamako returns to live with her with the different seasons reflecting Motoko hear that former classmate moving drama is a delicate and father after graduating from college. Tamako’s changing state of mind. Miki is in hospital after falling into low-key affair, anchored in the Uninterested in helping him run Former AKB48 lead idol group the sea, they decide to visit her. strong performances of his four lead his sports equipment business, she member Atsuko Maeda lends a They are joined on this impromptu actresses. Inspired by the idea that falls into a state of “moratorium”, charm to the lead character that road-trip by unemployed Haraki friends are like petals fluttering in spending her days sleeping, eating generates a genuine affection who has offered to be their driver for the wind, he had his cast improvise and playing computer games. That for Tamako despite her obvious the two days. As it has been six years much of the drama. The result is is until her father starts dating an failings. Nobuhiro Yamashita’s since the friends have seen Miki, a poetic and contemplative story, attractive divorcee and Tamako gentle humour recalls the intimacy they start to contemplate their own tinged with sadness and regret, but slowly starts to realise that she needs of his earlier work and he uses it to lives and feelings when it becomes ultimately ending on an optimistic to make some changes. effectively capture the uncertainties apparent that Miki’s accident was note, with the four women looking experienced by a young educated intentional. towards the future rather than back First conceived as a television generation in this bittersweet at the past. miniseries, Tamako in Moratorium family drama. successfully incorporates the episodic nature of the original idea,

HIROSHI ISHIKAWA (born 1963) is a film director and writer. His films includeTokyo. NOBUHIRO YAMASHITA (born 1976) studied filmmaking at Osaka University of Arts. Sora (03) and Su-ki-da (05) which won him the Best Director prize at the 2005 New His first feature film wasHazy Life (99). In 2007 his two filmsThe Matsugane Potshot Montreal Film Festival. Petal Dance (13) is his third film. Affair and A Gentle Breeze in the Village were released in Japan and he won the Best Director Prize at the Japanese Hochi Film Awards. His other films includeMy Back Page (11), The Drudgery Train (12), Girls in the Psychic Club (14) and La La La at Rock Bottom (15). SCHEDULE CORK GALWAY TRISKEL CHRISTCHURCH EYE CINEMA Sun April 3 Initiation Love 18.15 Sun April 10 Initiation Love 19:00 Mon April 4 The Case of Hana & Alice 18.15 Chigasaki Story 21:00 Tues April 5 Chigasaki Story 18.15 Mon April 11 The Case of Hana & Alice 19:00 Wed April 6 Assassination Classroom 18.15 Tue April 12 Love and Peace 19:00 Wed April 13 100 Yen Love 19:00 GATE CINEMA CORK Thu April 14 Assassination Classroom 19:00 Thu April 7 Miss Hokusai 18:30 Fri April 8 100 Yen Love 18:30 DUBLIN Sat April 9 Love and Peace 18:30 LIGHT HOUSE CINEMA Sun April 10 Three Stories of Love 18:30 Wed April 13 When Marnie Was There 21:30 Thu April 14 Joy of Man’s Desiring 18:00 LIMERICK Three Stories of Love 20:00 UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK Fri April 15 The Boy and the Beast 18:00 Wed April 6 The Case of Hana & Alice 18:00 → Sion Sono double-bill: Love and Peace 20:15 Miss Hokusai 20.15 Tag 22:45 Sat April 16 Sanchu Uprising: Voices at Dawn 11:00 BELLTABLE @ 69 O’CONNELL STREET The Emperor in August 13:15 Tue April 5 I am a Monk 20:00 The Case of Hana & Alice 16:00 Wed April 6 100 Yen Love 20:00 When Marnie Was There 18:00 Assassination Classroom 20:15 WATERFORD The Empire of Corpses 22:45 GARTER LANE ARTS CENTRE Sun April 17 I am a Monk 16:00 Fri April 8 The Case of Hana & Alice 19:30 Chigasaki Story 18:15 Sat April 9 Initiation Love 19:30 Initiation Love 20:15 Sun April 10 Little Forest: Summer / Autumn 19:30 Mon April 18 Tamako in Moratorium 18:00 Tue April 19 Jokyo Monagatari 18:00 DUNDALK Wed April 20 The Apology King 18:00 AN TÁIN ARTS CENTRE Thu April 21 Early Summer 18:00 Sat April 9 The Case of Hana & Alice 18:00 Miss Hokusai 20:30 THE CHESTER BEATTY LIBRARY Wed April 20 Petal Dance 14:00

SLIGO Check www.jff.ie for screening updates. PLEASE NOTE: → All films are in Japanese with English subtitles → All films, with the exception ofWhen Marnie Was There are unclassified. Unclassified films are subject to club conditions, i.e. open to over 18+ years only SCHEDULE

BOOKING INFORMATION: VENUES

CORK Gate Cinema North Main Street, Cork. (021) 427 9595 | www.corkcinemas.com

Triskel Christchurch Tobin Street, Cork. Established in January 2010, Experience (021) 427 2022 | www.triskelartscentre.ie Japan aims to celebrate, share and promote Japan as well as Japanese-Irish culture LIMERICK University of Limerick and heritage in Dublin and throughout Kemmy Business School (no advance Ireland. It marks the longstanding historical bookings, tickets available only on door) and warm relations which exist between our countries and peoples. Experience Belltable Japan is proud to be associated with 69 O’Connell Street, Limerick. (061) 774 774 | www.limetreetheatre.ie the 8th Japanese Film Festival.

WATERFORD Garter Lane Arts Centre Experience Japan events have their highlight O’Connell Street, Waterford. during Hanami when a day-long festival is (051) 855 038 | www.garterlane.ie held in the beautiful parkland surrounds of Farmleigh. Hanami or ‘flower viewing’ DUNDALK An Táin Arts Centre is the renowned Japanese custom of Crowe Street, Dundalk. enjoying the beauty of sakura or ‘cherry (042) 933 2332 | www.antain.ie blossoms’ in spring. Crowds of family and friends come together for outdoor GALWAY EYE Cinema Galway Wellpark Retail Park, Wellpark, Galway. parties to welcome the new season (091) 780 078 | www.eyecinema.ie and celebrate the beauty of nature.

DUBLIN Light House Cinema This year, Experience Japan's main festival Market Square, Smithfield, Dublin 7. day will be held on Sunday 17th April at (01) 872 8006 | www.lighthousecinema.ie Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park. Events will include martial arts, taiko drum Chester Beatty Library performances, origami and craft workshops Dublin Castle, Dublin 2. and Cosplay fashions framed with traditional (01) 407 0750 | www.cbl.ie Kimono displays. Activities are family- SLIGO Check www.jff.ie for information oriented and mostly free of charge.

For more information about this and other ADVANCE BOOKING AND TICKET PRICES: events see: www.ExperienceJapan.ie → www.jff.ie → See individual venues for detailed ticket prices. → Concession available for students, unemployed and OAP. sandwiches quiches coffee cakes beer wine Photography by Simon Lazewski popcorn

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