Shimazu Yasujiro Films To Screen in Berlin and Hong Kong

As mentioned in my TOKYO FILMeX wrap up article for Screen, a portion of the Nippon Modern: 1930s programme (details here) was in negotiations to travel overseas. Then news came in yesterday about where and which films would be shown (had to withold the locations in my tweet).

The traveling collection will focus on the films of Shimazu Yasujirô. Three titles will be shown at the 40th edition of the Berlinale Forum as part of the 60th anniversary of the Berlin International Film Festival (February 11-21). Additionally, six titles will be screened at the Hong Kong International Film Festival (March 21 - April 6).

Berlin will screen:
The Lights of Asakusa (Asakusa no Tomoshibi, 『浅草の灯』)
The Trio's Engagement (Konyaku Sanbagarasu, 『婚約三羽烏』)
So Goes My Love (Ai yori Ai e『愛より愛へ』)


HKIFF will screen:
First Steps Ashore (Jôriku Dai-Ippo, 『上陸第一歩』)
Our Neighbor Miss Yae / The Girl Next Door (Tonari no Yae-chan,『隣の八重ちゃん』)
Okoto and Sasuke (Shunkinshô Okoto to Sasuke, 『春琴抄 お琴と佐助』)
The Lights of Asakusa (Asakusa no Tomoshibi, 『浅草の灯』)
The Trio's Engagement (Konyaku Sanbagarasu, 『婚約三羽烏』)
So Goes My Love (Ai yori Ai e『愛より愛へ』)


Here are comments on Shimazu's work from programming directors at both events:


Christoph Terhechte (The International Forum of New Cinema) Director

Shimazu's films are not only testimonials of an era of social changes and
modernization. Their unpretentious, low-key style and unobtrusive
storytelling are also an embodiment of those changes. The modernity and
lucidity of Shimazu's oeuvre is still surprising today, and the ways his
characters deal with conflicts between tradition and westernization remain
as touching as ever.


Jacob Wong (Hong Kong International Film Festival) Programmer

Shimazu makes delicious mincemeat of the decline of the traditional family
while eyeing modern romantic relationships with detached amusement.
Delightful portraits give way to larger-than-life passions when his subject
matters are literary or when his characters are artists. Shimazu's depth and
scope, his daring and stamina to be altering, take us on an amazing voyage
on the happiness of creation.


I enjoyed all the Shimazu titles I saw, particularly the tragic melodrama of Okoto and Sasuke and the ultra-modern So Goes My Love (apparently the first Japanese film to be set in a manshon / apartment).

The programs of classic Japanese cinema TOKYO FILMeX has worked so hard to assemble have traveled in previous years as well. It's great to see the tradition continue.