It was interesting to note the reaction, head bowed in a pained half-smile, of Japanese director Hirokazu Koreeda when hit with his first Cannes press conference question this year: “Is this an homage to Ozu?” or at least something to that extent. In fairness, it’s probably a question the man is sick of hearing at this point, …
———- Air Doll Directed by Hirokazu Koreeda A bizarre but not entirely alien blend of social commentary, fairy tale, and old-fashioned tragedy, Air Doll helps to further cement Hirokazu Koreeda as an effective conveyor of unique, memorable imagery, even if it doesn’t quite cohere into the emotionally wrought masterpiece it seems very much to be …
The Fantasia Film Festival began in 1996, screening Asian films from Hong Kong and Japan, with a sprinkle of Japanese anime, but throughout the years, the festival has gradually expanded its focus to include genre films from all over the world. This year, the Fantasia Film Festival opens a new category called Camera Lucida; in …