HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL AUSTRALIA 2022

Festival Reviews

www.japanesefilmfestival.net

The Japanese Film Festival Australia 2022 is back with film screenings in Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. From December 7-14, Sydneysiders will enjoy the best Japanese cinema in Palace cinemas at Norton, Verona and Chauvel. Here are some of the highlights.

DREAMING OF THE MERIDIAN ARC

A light comedy that fuses past and present on the real event of Japan’s first-ever map in 1821. Tadataka Inō is the famed cartographer who achieved this feat, but the actual history has more to reveal. Based on an original rakugo story, the comedy morphs into a moving account of cultural pride based on determination and perseverance. Great casting with a flair for both comedy and serious drama.

THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION

Find out why Tokyo is the world’s food capital thru the work and dedication of four accomplished Japanese chefs reflecting the delicate variety of Japanese cuisine. Immerse yourself in the art of Japanese cooking, whether traditional kaiseki, fashionable sweets, French-inspired fusion, or the ever-popular sushi. Perfection is an understatement when aiming for beyond the best. This one gets all the Michelin stars!

AND SO THE BATON IS PASSED

With a terrific soundtrack, this ebullient feel-good drama boasts a superb ensemble cast in intertwined storylines that weave well through the end. Be ready for a reveal within the story that is cleverly conceived and structured. Based on a prize-winning bestseller, the magic of this narrative lies in the nurturing kindness of the uniquely quirky characters who will make you laugh, cry and fall in love.

LESSON IN MURDER

This is quite a chilling exploration into the psyche and actions of a serial killer and an investigation by a neophyte with just a few degrees of separation. A creepy performance by Sadao Abe as the deceptively cheery psychopath killer. This psychological thriller is even more frightening by the erratic manipulations of the actual truth of the murders.

IN THE WAKE

Intricately-plotted whodunit within the context of the inefficacies of Japan’s welfare system and framed nine years after the 3.11 earthquake and tsunami. Within the tide of discontent lies a revenge tale that seeks justice for the downtrodden of Japanese society. This investigative journey is quite emotive and full of plot twists and turns, and this thriller will surprise you at the very end.

BLUE

Writer-director Keisuke Yoshida deftly delivers a powerful punch of drama in Japan’s boxing world, where every hit takes a physical toll and victories are only good for their moment in a more daunting reality of life challenges and losses. Beautifully acted, this drama explores the underbelly of the sport of boxing with a beautifully restrained approach to its painful storytelling.

INTOLERANCE

Writer-director Keisuke Yoshida masterfully explores the aftermath of a tragedy where a father’s unforgiving anguish and grief engulf those involved in the accidental death of his daughter. Arata Furuta excels as the enraged father. The strength of this gripping drama is its masterful probe of the Japanese psyche within its characters. There is a truth to every action, every line of emotion that penetrates deep within the totality of the film.

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Rolmar Baldonado

Films for the cineaste. Were you moved, transported? Did you laugh, cry? Was it cathartic? Were you disturbed, affected, riveted? Did it make you think? Freelance film editor, cineaste and cinephile Twitter: @film_critik Twitter: @rolmar Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/filmcritik/