Culture

The Japanese Film Festival Is Back After A Hiatus In 2017

by KENG YANG SHUEN / February 23, 2018

If you’re a Nipponophile, you might have been wondering why the perennial favourite Japanese Film Festival was missing from last year’s slate of film festivals. While we have yet to hear back from the organisers, it’s now moved up from its traditional slot in September to next month – whatever the reason is, it can only be good news for the Jap heads among us.

Kicking off next Friday (Mar 2) till March 18, this year’s edition sees a total of 16 flicks being screened. As usual, the programming sees a mix of contemporary and classic films, with the latter seemingly focusing on works from the ’50s.

Here, a breakdown of the flicks you shouldn’t miss at the festival:

https://www.femalemag.com.sg/gallery/culture/japanese-film-festival-singapore-2018/

The Japanese Film Festival Is Back After A Hiatus In 2017

Survival Family

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If you’ve ever thought about moving to the countryside to escape from the consuming demands of modern life, this might be the flick to catch. Survival Family sees an ordinary family of four moving out of Tokyo to escape the chaos that ensues after the world collectively experiences a power cut in electricity.

March 2, 8.00pm

Gallery Theatre, National Museum of Singapore

Memoirs of a Murderer

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An anonymous serial murderer committed five kills back in 1995 but 22 years has since passed and the statue of limitations has since passed (i.e. he can no longer be prosecuted).

Taking advantage of that, the murderer, Sonezaki (Tetsuya Fujiwara), sensationally reveals himself to be the culprit and has even published a memoir detailing his crimes, which went on to become a best-seller.

March 3, 8.00pm

Gallery Theatre, National Museum of Singapore

The Flavour of Green Tea Over Rice

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Directed by the late Yasujiro Ozo, one of the world’s most influential filmmakers, The Flavour of Green Tea is the story of a middle-aged, childless couple whose (arranged) marriage has fizzled out, like so many couples. It’s unexpectedly revivified when their young niece, full of romantic ideals, arrives to stay with them. Coming from Ozu at his prime (he would go on to direct the legendary Tokyo Story next year), this is one film not to miss.

March 4, 8.00pm

Gallery Theatre, National Museum of Singapore

The Long Excuse

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Celebrated author Sachio (Masahiro Mataki) feels practically nothing when his wife (and her friend) have just died of a car accident. In an attempt to find closure, he helps to take care of the orphaned children of his wife’s friend.

March 5, 8.00pm

Gallery Theatre, National Museum of Singapore

Her Love Boils Bathwater

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What’s a person to do when she’s been diagnosed with a terminal illness? Divorced housewife Futaba (Miyazawa Rie) decides to make the most of the limited time she’s left with by reconciling with her ex-husband and restart her family’s defunct onsen business.

March 11, 5.00pm

Gallery Theatre, National Museum of Singapore

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Images: Japanese Film Festival Singapore

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