11/13

“Oshima presents a gritty view of Japan’s underworld with a broad swipe at the image of Japan as the “land of the rising sun.” Two gangs-vie to control the black market, prostitution, and other dirty dealings in an Osaka market slum.” On new 35mm print, 87 minutes of my life went by watching this film, which was made in 1960. Yes, entertaining and very interesting… extremely well-done. But, if only I had gotten more then 3 hours of sleep the night because nearly an hour an a half of subtitles is a hard thing to handle on no sleep. Oshima made this film in a way that almost requires you to look away at times do to its portrayal of rape and abuse yet you get so into the story that its impossible! This is the only Oshima film I’ve seen but their are four more this week before the lengthly three weeks comes to a conclusion.
I’d recommend you check ‘em out!

Tonight: A Town of Love and Hope with Diary of a Yunbogi Boy at 7:30pm

Tomorrow: In the Realm of the Senses at 7:30pm

Saturday: The Ceremony at 2pm and Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence at 7:30pm

Sunday: Diary of a Shinjuku Thief at 2pm