Virus

By far the most expensive film ever made in Japan at the time, the apocalyptic blockbuster Virus was Kadokawa’s most widely distributed film outside of Japan. Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale, Battles Without Honor and Humanity) directs this spectacular story of the struggle for survival of a team of international scientists in the Antarctic after a virus has wiped out the rest of humanity and set off a nuclear countdown. The apex of the Kadokawa blockbuster strategy, Virus was rolled out with a massive advertising campaign. Both gripping and campy, the film signaled the end of Haruki Kadokawa’s quest for ever bigger films and his re-orientation towards pop experimentalism and idol stars. New 4k restoration!

1980, 156 min., DCP, color, in English, French, German and Japanese with English subtitles. Directed by Kinji Fukasaku. With Masao Kusakari, Isao Natsuyagi, Sonny Chiba.

Part of POP! Goes Cinema: Kadokawa Film & 1980s Japan.

Tickets: $13/$10 seniors & students/$9 Japan Society members

Special Offer: Purchase at least 3 tickets in the same transaction and receive $2 off each ticket. (Not available online for Corporate Members—please call the Box Office at 212-715-1258 to make arrangements.)

Virus © 1980 Kadokawa Corp.

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