Wednesday, May 21, 2008

JG on NYAFF J-Titles

With the announcement of this year's lineup for the New York Asian Film Festival (June 20 - July 6), I thought I'd make a quick self-serving list of links to content on this blog that relates to the Japanese films they're screening:

And as always I'm interested in reactions to Japanese films overseas, so if anybody happens to attend, feel free to post some quick impressions here.

8 comments:

追放マーク said...

We're not done yet!

Keep your eyes posted not only for the new Subway Cinema / NYAFF site, but also for additional title announcements, including more Japanese films!

- Marc

Jason Gray said...

Hi Marc,

Even with what you've got there so far audiences are going to get their money's worth! I think New Yorkers will especially dig Adrift in Tokyo and Dai Nipponjin.

Blake said...

Sweet Rain! Really?

I've had the mini poster around for awhile now but did not hold out much hope for it. Looked like a sappy girls night out kinda movie. Hmmm.

SPM said...

I may attend one of the viewings. Not really sure what is "up my alley" so to speak. I thought "django" was going to be my cup of tea, but i haven't been able to sit through the whole thing yet (i have it on DVD).

As for the other films, can't say i know enough about them. recommendation?

I saw Gangster VIP at the Japan Society. Hope to see more Nikkatsu films in the future. As for the crowd, the theatre was mostly full. If you've read the blog, then you know my only gripe was with people laughing at "fight" scenes and such. (stupid people). Unfortunately, outside of subway cinema, i don't see any other Japanese films of interest in NYC at this time.

Jason Gray said...

Well, there's not really any yakuza content in either but I'd stick with the two titles I recommended in my first comment.

Adrift is like the Tokyo equivalent of a good NYC indie film (do they exist anymore?) while Dai Nipponjin will satisfy kaijû kravings with a side order of interesting social commentary.

SPM said...

In my warped eyes, "Indie" is a weird word. That is, Indie 10/15/20 yrs ago was refreshing & positive (although some frowned or scoffed the notion). Now Indie (especially in parts of NYC - ie. "Billyburg" aka Willamsburg, Brooklyn) is just pretending hipsters dressing and acting the part. So, to answer your question, Indie still exists, although some may see it as generic coffee in a starbucks cup.

if i make one of the films, i'll be sure to debrief on my experience. If so, i'll try one of your recommendations.

SPM said...

JG - Saw "Adrift in Tokyo" Friday night with the wife and we both really enjoyed the film (even though it got delayed twice in the viewing). All in all, good times. If not to late, i may try to catch "dai nipponjin". if not i'll catch a Nakadai film.

any who thanks for the recommendation. i'll have a few pics on the blog later in the week.

Jason Gray said...

I'm glad you enjoyed it. How was the audience reaction?