Achilles and the Tortoise

(Akiresu to kame)

©2008 Bandai Visual, TV Asahi, Tokyo Theatres, WOWOW / Office Kitano.

Written, directed by and starring one of Japan’s most famous entertainers, Takeshi Kitano (Hana-bi, 1997; Zatoichi, 2003), this cynical comedy is the final installment of a trilogy that explores an artist’s dilemma. As a young boy, Machisu becomes convinced of his talent when an artist praises him for one of his drawings. Machisu, with the unconditional support of his wife, devotes his life to art, but ironically, these tenacious aspirations lead only to his inadvertent imitation of famous paintings.

2008, 119 min., 35mm. Directed by Takeshi Kitano. With Beat Takeshi, Kanako Higuchi, Yurei Yanagi and Kumiko Aso.

Part of JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film, June 30 – July 12, 2009.

Tickets
$12
$8 Japan Society members

Buy Tickets Online or call the Japan Society Box Office at (212) 715-1258, Mon. – Fri. 11 am – 6 pm, Weekends 11 am – 5 pm.

Trailer