Adolescence of Utena

『少女革命ウテナ アドゥレセンス黙示録』
Shojo Kakumei Utena Aduresensu Mokushiroku

As summer ends and the school year begins, we invite you to attend Ohtori Academy, where you’ll follow school girl Utena Tenjou on her quest to become a prince. Influenced by the works of Herman Hesse, Riyoko Ikeda (The Rose of Versailles) and Shuji Terayama, Kunihiko Ikuhara’s Adolescence of Utena re-envisions and expands on the themes and motifs of the beloved 1997 anime series. Inside Ohtori Academy’s towering spires and oblique rose-tinted corridors, Utena encounters sparring duelists and a secretive student council—all vying for an enigmatic bride. Continuing the anime’s avant garde compositions and baroque romanticism, Adolescence is gorgeously animated by J.C.Staff with art direction by the late Shichiro Kobayashi (Angel’s Egg, Berserk) and accompanied by a lavish score from Shinkichi Mitsumune and Tenjo Sajiki member J.A. Seazer. Praised for over 20 years for the complexity of its themes of power, gender and transformation, the final entry in the Revolutionary Girl Utena saga weaves a dense tapestry of symbolism, allegory and illusion.

Screening begins with a book giveaway and is followed by a summer’s end reception, both generously funded in part by publisher Coqui-san. Coqui-san information and books will be on display in the Japan Society lobby.

Dir. Kunihiko Ikuhara, 1999, 87 min., DCP, color, in Japanese with English subtitles. With Tomoko Kawakami, Yuriko Fuchizaki, Takehito Koyasu, Kotono Mitsuishi.

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This month’s screening is generously supported by Coqui-san LLC.

Beverages generously donated by Brooklyn Kura, Moshi, and Sapporo U.S.A.

Japan Society programs are made possible by leadership support from Booth Ferris Foundation, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Film programs are generously supported by ORIX Corporation USA, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and Yen Press. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund and The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by The Globus Family, David Toberisky, and Friends of Film. Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the official Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film. Housing assistance is provided by the Kitano Hotel, the official hotel sponsor of Japan Society Film.