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CRITICS' CHOICE
Two of the world's foremost writers on cinema - Roger Ebert and Donald Richie - each select three of their favorite Japanese movies in this special program marking the 30th anniversary of the Center for Japanese Studies' film series.
Fridays at 7:00 PM
Askwith Auditorium in Lorch Hall, 611 Tappan Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(at the intersection of Tappan and Monroe)
Admission FREE
Parking is free after 6:00 p.m. at the University parking structures on Church Street and Hill Street
Please click here for a map of the location.
For written directions, please click here.
FILMS
July 22 ~ When a Woman Ascends the Stairs (Onna ga Kaidan o Agaru Toki ) (1960)
111 min., 35mm
Mikio Naruse, Director
"My sympathy for the heroine was continually compromised by my delight in so scrupulous a cinematic style." -- Donald Richie
Director Mikio Naruse delves into the Ginza district for this slice-of life profile of a struggling, widowed hostess determined to retain her dignity even as the competing bars and the women around her fall into disrepute. Japanese with English subtitles.
(Print provided by the Japan Foundation. Permission from Janus Films.) |
August 12 ~ Ikiru (1952)
140 min., 35mm
Akira Kurosawa, Director
"Over the years I have seen Ikiru every five years or so, and each time it has moved me." -- Roger Ebert
When given a dire prognosis at the doctor's office, a bitter, withdrawn government worker reevaluates his life and takes one final, brave stab at vitality in this heartfelt, triumphant human drama. Japanese with English subtitles.
(Print and permission provided by Janus Films.) |
July 29 ~ Intentions of Murder (Akaisatsui) (1964)
150 min., 35mm
Shohei Imamura, Director
"Here is a director who in plainest black and white teaches us what to leave out - a sure sign of art." -- Donald Richie
After being assaulted and harassed by a would-be thief, a meek housewife begins to take control of her life - in unexpected ways - in this ironic, ambiguous fable. Japanese with English subtitles.
(Print provided by the Japan Foundation. Permission from Nikkatsu.)
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August 19 ~ Floating Weeds (Ukigusa) (1959)
119 min., 35mm
Yazujiro Ozu, Director
"It is impossible to select Ozu's best film... For me, Floating Weeds is like a familiar piece of music I can turn to for reassurance and consolation." -- Roger Ebert
In this detailed, observational melodrama, a philandering, down-on-his-luck kabuki performer has to come to terms with the son he never knew - and the women he's cast aside. Japanese with English subtitles.
(Print provided by the Japan Foundation. Permission from Janus Films.) |
August 5 ~ Fire Festival (Himatsuri) (1985)
120 min., 35mm
Mitsuo Yanagimachi, Director
"Primordial, transcendent... A wonderful and forgotten film." -- Donald Richie
In this acclaimed third feature film, a lumberjack reverts to an increasingly primal way of life, until the advances of opportunistic developers drive him to violently reclaim the order of the land. Japanese with English subtitles.
(Print provided by the Japan Foundation. Permission from Kino.) |
August 26 ~ Zatoichi (2003)
116 min., 35mm
Takeshi Kitano, Director
"Zatoichi is not a continuation of the original series, but a transformation ." -- Roger Ebert
Writer-director-star, Takeshi Kitano boldly re-imagines the classic Zatoichi character, a blind masseur with a red cane who relies on his remaining almost-superhuman sense to lay waste to his enemies. Japanese with English subtitles.
(Print and permission provided by Swank.)
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CJS would like to sincerely thank Roger Ebert and Donald Richie for their contribution to this film series.
This film series is made possible with funding from a USDE Title VI grant, the Japan Foundation, Janus Films, Kino International, Nikkatsu Corporation, and Swank Motion Pictures, Inc.
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