Free films at Japan festival

Some 17 out of 24 films at this year's Japan Film Festival will be screened free, including a "mystery" title that closes the event.

These include all 15 films screened under the retrospective category this year paying tribute to Kon Ichikawa, the late film-maker who helmed acclaimed works such as Nihonbashi (1956) and The Makioka Sisters (1983). The director, who died of pneumonia in 2008, was considered by many film critics to be among the masters of Japanese cinema.

Festival director Gavin Low declined to reveal the budget of the event, which kicks off at the National Museum tomorrow, but says that due to "goodwill from sponsors", the festival is able to offer the complimentary screenings.

He tells Life!: "The festival hopes to provide an alternative to commercial cinemas to develop film tastes here and to further cultural exchanges, even while operating at a loss - if we are measured in business terms, anyway."

The event, launched in 1999, is organised this year by the Singapore Film Society, The Japan Foundation, Japan Creative Centre, Luna Films and the National Museum Of Singapore.

In previous editions of the festival, there have been several free screenings as well.

The festival's closing film this year, to be held on July 12, will also be screened free and, as Mr Low describes, will be a "mystery screening". Patrons attending this screening will not know what will be shown.

"I want the film to be seen without any preconceived notions," he says cryptically.

Movie goers will have to buy tickets for seven films in the Currents section, which screens some of the most buzzed-about movies to come out of Japan in the past decade.

These include Nao Kubota's Homeland (2014), about a man who returns to his home that is forever changed by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, and Gen Sekiguchi's Survive Style 5+ (2004), the critically acclaimed film featuring five bizarre, loosely linked plotlines and starring Tadanobu Asano and Vinnie Jones.

Mr Low says: "The contemporary component is made up of a selection of sensitive, heartfelt and bold works by upcoming directors, and presents an opportunity to enjoy the diverse talents of these bright sparks of Japanese cinema of our times."

Top picks

TEN DARK WOMEN (1961)

Director: Kon Ichikawa

What: In this critically acclaimed work, a philanderer's wife and nine mistresses conspire to murder him. Critics often cite this as one of the most subtle and underrated black comedies to come out of Japan from any director.

When: July 3, 7.45pm

Admission: Free

THE MOLE SONG (2013)

Director: Takashi Miike

What: Adapted from the wildly popular comic series (2005-2008) by Noburu Takahashi, this film is about a cop who is ordered to infiltrate a mighty yakuza clan. He turns out to win over the yakuza boss and becomes a favourite among the gangsters. Fans of acclaimed director Miike of Straw Shield (2013) fame will enjoy this work which The Hollywood Reporter calls "a home run" and "an irresistible cops and yakuza romp".

When: Friday, 7.45pm

Admission: $13, $11 (Singapore Film Society member), $10 (concessions)

THE TALE OF IYA (2013)

Director: Tetsuichiro Tsuta What: An elderly man (Min Tanaka) and his granddaughter (Rina Takeda) have been living in seclusion in Japan's remote Iya region for years without electricity or gas. When a young man from Tokyo (Shima Onishi) meets them on a trip, his life views are changed. The film was awarded a Special Mention in the Asian Future section at the Tokyo International Film Festival last year.

When: July 12, 4pm Admission: $13, $11 (Singapore Film Society member), $10 (concessions)

HOMELAND (2014)

Director: Nao Kubota

What: After leaving his hometown of Fukushima for Tokyo as a teenager, Jiro decides to return home, despite the fact that it is now almost deserted following the 2011 nuclear disaster. He meets old schoolmates and relatives and, together, they try to accept what has become of their home. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February this year.

When: July 11, 7.45pm

Admission: $13, $11 (Singapore Film Society member), $10 (concessions)

HOMESICK (2013)

Director: Satoru Hirohara

What: Kenji (Tomohiro Kaku) is 30 years old, jobless and lives alone in an old house that is slated for redevelopment. He has no direction in life, but soon finds joy in the frequent house visits by three playful neighbourhood kids. The film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival last year in the section A Window On Asian Cinema.

When: July 5, 4.30pm

Admission: $13, $11 (Singapore Film Society member), $10 (concessions)

yipwy@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on June 25, 2014.
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