Review: Lady Maiko

The much anticipated Sydney leg of this year’s Japanese Film Festival has opened, and musical comedy Lady Maiko is the Opening Film. It is a well-chosen film to open the Festival as comedies have traditionally been particularly well received as the opening films at the Festival, and it is helmed by internationally acclaimed director Masayuki Suo. Those of you who have read my earlier post would know that Suo is a director whom I am very fond of. Shall We Dance? is my all-time favourite Japanese film, while Sumo Do, Sumo Don't also ranks high on my favourites list. It is great to see Suo return to comedies after a long break from directing followed by a pair of serious dramas (I Just Didn’t Do It and The Terminal Trust).

Review: Climbing To Spring

Climbing To Spring is veteran cinematographer Daisaku Kimura's follow up to his directorial debut The Summit: A Chronicle Of Stones. I had the pleasure of reviewing The Summit for the Japanese Film Festival Official Blog in 2011 and loved it. So I was really looking forward to this new film that is lensed, co-written and directed by Kimura, and it does not disappoint. There are many similarities between these two films: both are drama that focus on life's journeys, set in the mountains and boast beautiful cinematography. While not quite as epic in scale as the award-winning The Summit, Climbing To Spring is more focused and accomplished. 

Review: Leaving On The 15th Spring

For most of us, moving from primary to high school is an important milestone; but for the Japanese people living on the remote Minamidaito Island situated 360km east of the main island of Okinawa, where there are no high schools, having secondary education takes on a special meaning because the young people have to leave the island in the spring of their 15th year. 

Review: My Little Sweet Pea

Japanese filmmakers are experts at crafting gentle, touching family dramas, and My Little Sweet Pea is another fine example. Director Keisuke Yoshida has made a film that is accessible and intimate, and most viewers will be touched by the film’s tender moments, while those with active lacrimal glands may even shed a tear or two. It is not all sad, however. There is actually a good sense of humour to be appreciated here, including a fun animated sequence made by Production I.G.

Review: The Snow White Murder Case

Yoshihiro Nakamura is a great storyteller. His previous films like Fish Story, Golden Slumber and A Boy and His Samurai (JFF 2011) all perfectly demonstrated his incredible ability to tell stories in a way that keeps audiences interested and intrigued from a film’s introduction to its conclusion. The Snow White Murder Case, his latest film, is another fine addition to his filmography. Featuring a great cast who all give credible performances, it is an exciting, enjoyable and entertaining film, which carries with it a simple but important message for all of today’s worshippers of social media.

2014 Japanese Film Festival Announces Additional Films For Sydney And Melbourne

Just like in previous years, the 2014 Japanese Film Festival will be featuring an extended program for Sydney (13 - 23 November) and Melbourne (27 November - 7 December). There will be a total of over 50 titles to choose from this year.

Review: Why Don’t You Play In Hell?

Sion Sono sure knows how to make fun and insane movies. With films like Suicide Club and Love Exposure, he has entertained lots of viewers and at the same time offended many others. The films’ bloody violence and obscene subject matters may well be a turn-off for some, but others don’t seem to be able to get enough of them. Now, after making some serious drama like Himizu and The Land Of Hope, his new film Why Don’t You Play In Hell? marks a return to the over-the-top style of filmmaking that he is most famous for. And the result? It's exhilarating!