SOLD OUT Always – Sunset on Third Street

Presented by Japan Society and New York Asian Film Festival
Wednesday, June 14
7:30 pm

This program is sold out.

With opening remarks from director Takashi Yamazaki (Director of the Year, Japan Academy Prize 2006) and a post-show reception.

2005, 131 min., 35mm, color. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki. Written by Takashi Yamazaki and Ryota Furusawa. Based on a story by Ryohei Saigan. With Hidetaka Yoshioka, Shinichi Tsutsumi and Koyuki. North American premiere.

The war was over and Reconstruction began, signified by the magnificent Tokyo Tower’s spidery reach into the sky. Families were acquiring their first washing machines, refrigerators and that most holy of holies, the television. It is the late 1950s, and in Tokyo, anything is possible. Mr. Chagawa sells pulp sci-fi magazines but wants to write the great Japanese novel. Schoolgirl Mutsuko moves from the countryside to work for a thriving car manufacturer only to discover it’s a one-garage mechanic’s shop. Who can say their dreams are too big?

This visually lavish film was shot on Toho’s soundstages, using digital wizardry to meticulously recreate 1950s Tokyo. Based on a popular manga, no film last year had higher critical acclaim in Japan than Always–Sunset on Third Street, winning 13 of Japan’s 14 Academy Awards.

Tickets: $15; $12 members, seniors & students.