The Japan Society has announced the return of JAPAN CUTS, their flagship festival in New York, for a 13th exciting year. With 42 films and 20 guest filmmakers, this is sure to be a highlight in the NYC film calendar.
Playing from 19 – 29 July 2019, the 11 days of programming will showcase some of the best Japanese films, some of which haven’t even been released in their native Japan yet. From the opening night of office comedy-road trip-musical DANCE WITH ME to restored classics like THE LEGEND OF THE STARDUST BROTHERS to the closing night BLUE HOUR, this is the biggest selection of Japanese films in one place in North America.
As the sessions quickly sell out, we’ve put together a Top 11 list of films to see at the event. A full list of film and tickets are available at The Japan Society site. Be sure to check back here at The Reel Bits for review coverage. (Check out our coverage of the 2018 Festival right here).
Dance With Me
The Opening Night film is set to be a joyous one as director Shinobu Yaguchi takes a left turn from Survival Family to a full-blown musical when a woman wakes up from being hypnotised to find out that she can’t help but break into song whenever she hears music. Check out the trailer below.
The Killing
The opening night film is a cracker. Director and Festival guest Shinya Tsukamoto (who will be presented with the 2019 CUT ABOVE Award) delivers an often understated samurai flick, one that simultaneously recalls the storied history of the genre while feeling sharply contemporary. Plus, the ubiquitous Yu Aoi is always worth the ticket price.
The Island of Cats
It’s the law that every Japanese film festival has at least one film about cats. It’s equal legal mandate that we must recommend it as a film to watch at a Japanese film festival. Mitsuaki Iwago’s has the bonus of having an island full of them, an aging population, and a cafe with “culinary adventures.” That’s three festival bingo cards in one hit!
Jesus
Debut director Hiroshi Okuyama won the €50,000 Kutxabank New Directors Award at the 66th San Sebastian Film Festival last year and it’s not hard to see why. JESUS (僕はイエス様が嫌い), or it’s more literal translation of I Hate Jesus, is an offbeat dramedy that views faith through the contemporary lens of a small child – who happens to be seeing a very tiny Jesus in the strangest places. Check out our full review.
Ten Years Japan
Produced by the iconic Hirokazu Koreeda with segements directed by Chie Hayakawa (Niagara), Yusuke Kinoshita (Water Flower), Megumi Tsuno, Akiyo Fujimura (Eriko, Pretended), and Kei Ishikawa (Gukoroku: Traces of Sin), it’s the latest in the “Ten Year International Project”—launched by the success of Hong Kong’s Ten Years (2015) – showing a dystopian future for Japan.
His Lost Name
Anybody described as Hirokazu Kore-eda’s protégé is worth your attention. His long-time assistant director Nanako Hirose presents his long-awaited debut, which premiered at Busan late last year.
Blue Hour
This one doesn’t even get released in Japan until October, so this is a chance to jump on an indie favourite early. Yuko Hakota’s debut examines the Japanese entertainment industry, with a very timely reference to a misogynist industry. Dissatisfied with her life, Sunada (Kaho) returns to a small town to visit her grandmother in hospital.
I Go Gaga, My Dear
The story behind this film is almost as charming as the documentary itself. After opening in a single cinema, word of mouth spread this to our 70 screens making it a minor hit. Veteran TV director Naoko Nobutomo brings a personal documentary about her parents as her mother slips further into dementia. Bring a box of tissues.
And Your Bird Can Sing
Firstly, there’s the Beatles reference in the title, and with Yesterday in cinemas around the world, more Beatles love is the answer. And you know that for sure. Director Sho Miyake’s updates of the 1982 novel of the same name by Yasushi Sato.
Red Snow
Newcomer Sayaka Kai brings us a mystery set in a snowy coastal town in northern Japan with a stellar cast that includes Masatoshi Nagase (The Chrysanthemum and the Guillotine), Nahana, Arata Iura, and Yui Natsukawa.
Shorts Showcase
A collection of shorts as my 11th pick may be a bit of a cheat, but this Shorts Showcase is a great way to see emerging talent – and future Japan Cuts stars. The showcases are free and open to the public, so be sure to get in early to avoid disappointment.
