Wednesday, June 19, 2013

2013 Eiga-Sai - What films I look forward to

Confessions
My prayers were answered as this year's Eiga-Sai will feature 告白(Kokuhaku) aka Confessions. I've been longing to see it in film format and I've been pestering the Japan Foundation Manila's survey forms for two years. It's no big secret that I'm drawn with the movie - it's plot, characters, soundtrack and actors. It's a definite must for any Japanese Movie buff.

 Cast - Matsu Takako, Okada Masaki, Hashimoto Ai, Kimura Yoshino, Ashida Mana



Parade
Another I'm looking forward to is パレード aka Parade. This "flat" setting with mysterious ensemble of characters is another engrossing Japanese movie. Not as the caliber of Confessions, but it will ake you see social dynamics in a different light. 

Cast - Fujiwara Tatsuya, Karina, Kanjiya Shihori, Hayashi Kento, Koide Keisuke



ALWAYS Trilogy
ALWAYS 三丁目の夕日 (Always Sanchome no Yuhi) aka Always: Sunset on the Third Street - The Tour de Force Japanese Trilogy is making a comeback with all three movies (finally) being shown this year. I wish that the schedule would screen all of them on a common day but alas, I would just have to deal with it.

Cast - Horikita Maki,Yoshioka Hidetakam Tsutsumi Shinichi, Koyuki etc.


Rinco's Restaurant

食 堂かたつむり aka Rinco's Restaurant is just a charming movie. I think this is the first Japanese Movie I've had seen that was directed by a female Japanese director. Wonderfully made, it has this rustic and homey feel to it. Although not the strongest in this year's line-up it's this year's dark horse.

Cast - Shibasaki Kou, Yo Kumiko

Thursday, June 13, 2013

2013 Eiga-Sai

Finally it's Eiga Sai again! This year's Eiga Sai (Movie Festival) c/o Japan Foundation Manila will start from July 4 to July 14 over at ShangCineplex 2, Shangri-La Mall. I have to admit that this year I'm very excited because Confessions (Kokuhaku) is included. Other films to look forward are Parade, Rinco's Restaurant and Always Trilogy. There are also two anime films: Mai Mai Miracle and Japan Our Homeland. The other selections are: Kamui, About Her Brother, Castle Under Fiery Skies and Dear Doctor.

I previously reviewed Confessions back in 2011 and I'm so impressed with it that I constantly pestered Japan Foundation Manila to screen it. I guess my persistence prevailed! Thank you so much JFMO.

For more information and screening schedule visit www.jfmo.org.ph or see the Eiga Sai 2013 Flyer.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Long time... no post...

Been that long huh?

I have been very busy on our thesis and system and just trying to tidy up my school papers. I have been busy with my "sort of new" job. I recently got hired by Harte-Hanks Manila as a Helpdesk Associate (I used to work for them when it was Ambergris/Telus as a Practicioner for the IBM account). I don't know how it will turn out, but they responded and processed my application very quick so I took the job.

Alas my "new" job might restrict me from going to events especially Film Festivals this year... But I really need the money and if things work out I'll be back in the Film Festival circuits by next year. I'm back in the loop of the hectic corporate salary man life. I still have a three year plan and hopefully it works.

Time to do my best in this stint and hopefully I can get into film festivals this year with my schedule.