Friday, July 20, 7 PM
333 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017
Focus on Koji Yakusho
New York Premiere
Introduction and Q&A with actor Koji Yakusho
Centerpiece presentation followed by a reception with the actor
An award-winning comedy starring Koji Yakusho (Eel, 13 Assassins) and Shun Oguri (Gaku, Crows Zero). Katsu, a 60 year-old lumberjack, lives in a small, tranquil village in the mountains. When a film crew suddenly arrives to shoot a zombie movie, Katsu finds himself unwittingly roped into assisting the production and is increasing frustrated by the pushy crew, especially the young, seemingly spineless director Koichi. However, an improbable friendship soon develops between Katsu and Koichi, as Katsu comes to see joy in the filmmaking process, and gradually helps Koichi to recover his sense of self. Soon, their bond inspires an unusual collaboration between the villagers and the film crew. Special Jury Prize–Tokyo International Film Festival. CUT ABOVE Award for Excellence in Film.
Japan. 2011. 129 min., 35mm, in Japanese with English subtitles. Directed by Shuichi Okita. With Koji Yakuso, Shun Oguri, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Masato Ibu.