Fancy Dance (Fanshii dansu)

1989, 101 min., color, 16mm.  In Japanese with English subtitles.

Directed by Masayuki Suo. Written by Masayuki Suo, based on manga by Reiko Okano. With Masahiro Motoki, Honami Suzuki, Ken Osawa, Hiromasa Taguchi, Miyako Koda, Nobuko Miyamoto, Naoto Takenaka. Print courtesy of The Japan Foundation with permission from Kadokawa-Daiei Pictures, Inc.

Yohei, a college student who sings in a rock band, must go through a rigorous one-year training session at a Zen temple in the remote mountains so that he can eventually manage his father’s temple. Together with his younger brother, Yohei faces the rigid disciplines of Zen teaching and misses his city life dearly. However, he gradually learns how to enjoy life despite the miserable environment. Masayuki Suo’s second film is an entertaining comedy adapted from Reiko Okano’s popular manga.  Producer Shoji Masui introduces and discusses the film.

Tickets: $10; Japan Society members, seniors & students $5.