| Shochiku Office at CANNES 2008 |
Res. du Grand Hotel, Albatros 1C
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 38 56 27 / Fax: +33 (0)4 93 38 32 29 |
| Representative: |
Kiwamu SATO (cell) +81 90 8038 5276
Satoko ISHIDA (cell) +33 (0) 677 446 097
Shion KOMATSU (cell) +33 (0) 677 446 286
Chiyo MORI (cell) +33 (0) 677 446 350
Takeya ITO (cell) +33 (0) 677 446 385
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| Email: ibd@shochiku.co.jp |
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ICHI
(Original title: ICHI)
Directed by SORI |
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Director: SORI (VEXILLE, Ping Pong)
Starring: Haruka Ayase (The Magic Hour, Cyborg Girl, HERO), Takao Osawa (Midnight Eagle, Helen the Baby Fox), Shidou Nakamura (Red Cliff, Letters from Iwo Jima, Yamato)
The famed ZATOICHI - a lonesome blind swordsman - comes back to the screen once again, with ICHI, in a female character.
Japanese Distribution: Warner Brothers (Japan)
The story follows, Ichi, a lone blind shamisen-instrument player on the road, always facing people who treat her coldly and trying to take advantage of her. However, Ichi stands tall with dignity, and her emotions burst with action with the hidden sword in the walking cane that she swings to fight back. When she is involved in a battle within two yakuza groups, she realizes love for the first time and the border between life and death. |
Genre: ACTION / SAMURAI
Running time: 118min |
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ICHI
Private Screening(Invitation Only) |
| May 15 (Thu) 20:15 @ ARCADES 2 |
| May 17 (Sat) 20:30 @ RIVIERA 1 |
| May 19 (Mon) 20:30 @ RIVIERA 1 |
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SHRILL CRIES OF SUMMER
(original Title: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)
Directed by Ataru Oikawa |
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Director: Ataru Oikawa(TOMIE, Apartment 1303)
Starring: Gouki Maeda, Rin Asuka, Airi Matsuyama
A horrific feature adaptation of the best selling PC game, comics (sold over 4 million copies) and TV animation "When They Cry".
It is early summer and Keiichi had just moved to a remote mountain village. As he becomes close friends with a group of cute girls, he starts enjoying his life in the village. However when he starts to become suspicious of the girls that Keiichi trusted may be deeply involved in successive murders that occur every summer, the situation around Keiichi gradually starts to turn. As if the girls' characters had completely changed, a sewing needle is found in his food, he is chased by mysterious men, and is involved in an accident which could have killed him. He could no longer trust anyone, and then... One mystery leads to another, bringing out a shockingly bloody ending!!! |
Genre: HORROR / THRILLER
Running time: 106 min |
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SHRILL CRIES OF SUMMER
Screening Schedule(Market Premiere) |
| May 16 (Fri) 20:30 @ ARCADES 3 |
| May 18 (Sun) 20:30 @ PALAIS E |
| May 19 (Mon) 18:00 @ OLYMPIA 4 |
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Departures
(Original title: Okuriboto)
Directed by TAKITA Yojiro |
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Director: TAKITA Yojiro (ASHURA, When The Last Sword Is Drawn, SECRET)
Music: Joe Hisaishi (Spirited Away, HANABI, Sonatine)
Starring: Masahiro Motoki (The Bird People of China,GEMINI,GONIN), Ryoko Hirosue (WASABI,Love Collage)
, Tsutomu Yamazaki(Kagemusha, Tampopo), Kimiko Yo (Café Lumière)
An emotionally moving drama about a young man who finds life through the death that he encounters.
Daigo Kobayashi, who was a cellist in an orchestra which had just been dissolved, suddenly is thrown out onto the streets without a job and hope for life. Daigo decides to move back to his old hometown with his wife. However, his life is revived when he starts working as an "encoffineer." He cleans up the body, places the dead into the coffin, and sends the dead to the next world in the best way possible… he is the gatekeeper between life and death.
The job is despised by his wife and the people around him, but through the "Deaths" that he encounters, he finally starts to find what "Life" is all about. |
Genre: DRAMA
Running time: 131min |
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Departures
Private Screening(Invitation Only) |
| May 17 (Sat) 17:30 @ PALAIS H |
| May 20 (Tue) 18:00 @ OLYMPIA 4 |
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The Taste of Fish
(Original Title: Tsukiji Uogashi Sandaime)
Directed by Shingo Matsubara |
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Director: Shingo Matsubara (Ultraman Tiga, Seishun Kakeochi-hen)
Starring: Takao Osawa (Midnight Eagle, Helen the Baby Fox),
Lena Tanaka (10 Promises to My Dog, KITARO)
Sometimes life takes you to unexpected places. Food entertainment set in "Tsukiji" one of the largest fish markets in the world! Set in Tsukji Fish Market, the top supplier of fish in the world, this is the life and the world of fish trading! Shuntaro Akagi leads a fruitful career at a general trading company and a steady relationship with his girlfriend, Asuka whom he has been thinking of settling down with. It seemed that this would go on, until he somehow winds up helping out a well-established 'fish trading' business which Asuka's father runs. With rules and tradition of Tsukiji, all Shuntaro can rely on is his sense of taste. His days of struggles now begin! |
Genre: DRAMA
Running time: 116min |
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The Taste of Fish
Screening Schedule(Market Premiere) |
| May 15 (Thu) 17:30 @ GRAY 4 |
| May 17 (Sat) 20:00 @ PALAIS D |
| May 20 (Tue) 09:30 @ GRAY 4 |
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Kitaro and the Millennium Curse (working title)
(Original Title: Gegege no Kitaro Sennen Noroi Uta)
Directed by Katsuhide Motoki |
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Director: Katsuhide Motoki(KITARO, 10 Promises to My Dog)
Starring: Eiji Wentz (KITARO, Brave Story -voice), Kie Kitano (Speed Master, Life-TV Series), Ken Ogata (Love and Honor, A Long Walk)
KITARO, a smash hit of 2007 reaching US$25million, is reborn with new characters, new visual and even more action! A half human, half yokai/monster hero Kitaro and his buddies (performed by returning cast members), investigate a series of mysterious disappearance and finds out that it is somehow related to the curse caused by "forbidden love" which occurred 1,000 years ago. Behind these incidents, was the conspiracy plotted by the evil yokai and his followings. Kitaro and his friend must collect 5 treasures to stop the curse, and also fight against evil to shutter the vicious cycle. Will he be able to bring love and peace to the world? |
| Genre: ACTION / FANTASY |
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Kitaro and the Millennium Curse
Promo Screening |
| May 16 (Fri) 20:00 / 20:40 / 21:20 @ Palais D |
| May 18 (Sun) 9:30 / 10:10 / 10:50 @ Gray 2 |
| May 19 (Mon) 20:00 / 20:40 / 21:20 @ Gray 4 |
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Monster X Strikes Back / Attack the G8 Summit !
(original title: Guilala no Gyakushu Samitto Kiki Ippatsu)Monster Movie with Political Satire
Directed by Minoru Kawasaki |
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Director: Minoru Kawasaki (The World Sinks Except Japan, The Calamari Wrestler)
Starring: Natsuki Kato (Battle Royale II: Requiem)
, Kazuki Kato (Kamen Rider the Next, Hotaru no Hikari -TV Series)
Guest appearance by Beat Takeshi (Zatoichi, Takeshi's)
A cult monster panic movie from the 60s "Monster X from Outer Space" comes back once again, now attacking the G8 Summit to finish the Earth once and for all !
In the summer of 2008, the G8 summit is being held at Lake Toya, a beautiful resort near the volcano in Hokkaido. At the same time, the Chinese rocket falls into Japan, causing the monster to be born from the spore attached to the rocket. The monster, Guilala, moves toward the summit conference site for the pursuit of volcanic energy. Now the world leaders have to terminate Guilala to show their country's prestige. First mission is missile attack by Japan, then Italy, Germany and... Deadly combat between human beings and the monster from outer space continues, but just when everyone starts to give up, two journalists finds a strange group worshipping the traditional "idol" at the lakeside. |
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Monster X Strikes Back / Attack the G8 Summit !
Promo Screening |
| May 16 (Fri) 20:00 / 20:40 / 21:20 @ Palais D |
| May 18 (Sun) 9:30 / 10:10 / 10:50 @ Gray 2 |
| May 19 (Mon) 20:00 / 20:40 / 21:20 @ Gray 4 |
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CHILDREN OF THE DARK
(Original title: Yami no Kodomo-tachi)
Directed by Junji Sakamoto |
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Written and Directed by Junji Sakamoto (Aegis, FACE)
Based on the novel "Children of the Dark" by Yan Sogil (Blood and Bones)
Starring : Yosuke Eguchi (Silk, Synesthesia) ,
Aoi Miyazaki (Eureka, Synesthesia, NANA),
Satoshi Tsumabuki (Dororo, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish)
The controversial and shocking reality about children in Thailand. Based on true events.
In the darkest corners of Thailand, child prostitution and organ sales flourish. In order to save a child's life, another life must be taken. An outraged Japanese journalist and a passionate young Japanese NGO member attempt to save "children of the dark" from being consumed by arrogance and greed. However, the harsh realities of life intervene...
Adapting Yan Sogil's novel, which unflinchingly portrays the tragic realities unfolding today, filmmaker Junji Sakamoto directs a talented multinational cast to bring these stark events to life. |
| Genre: DRAMA |
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CHILDREN OF THE DARK
Promo Screening |
| May 16 (Fri) 20:00 / 20:40 / 21:20 @ Palais D |
| May 18 (Sun) 9:30 / 10:10 / 10:50 @ Gray 2 |
| May 19 (Mon) 20:00 / 20:40 / 21:20 @ Gray 4 |
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PANDA DAYS (working title)
(original title: Pandaful Life)
Directed by Tadashi Mori |
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Director: Tadashi Mori (notable documentary director)
A beautifully observed and awakening documentary about the lives and the future of Pandas. A Chinese co-production.
In the peaceful and happy life that the pandas seem to be leading, we see that they are not just cuddly and cute animals. With only 1,600 pandas left on earth, every minute of their life is important, and every second leads to their next generation.
Co-produced with China, it is the first time to be able to shoot the new born baby panda in the mother's arms. Spending over a year of shooting to follow each pandas, we were able to shoot an extremely rare material on the "way of life" for the pandas, and what they face. A warm feeling and a prayer for the future on earth will sure to follow after watching this documentary. |
| Genre: DOCUMENTARY |
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PANDA DAYS
Promo Screening |
| May 16 (Fri) 20:00 / 20:40 / 21:20 @ Palais D |
| May 18 (Sun) 9:30 / 10:10 / 10:50 @ Gray 2 |
| May 19 (Mon) 20:00 / 20:40 / 21:20 @ Gray 4 |
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Cheer Cheer Cheer!
(original title: Fure Fure Shojo)
Directed by Kensaku Watanabe |
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Director: Kensaku Watanabe (Loved Gun)
Starring: Yui Aragaki (Sky of Love),
Ayato Nagayama,
Takashi Naito (ASHURA, Spirited Away - Voice, After Life)
Cheering from your heart makes miracles happen!
Momoko (Yui Aragaki) is a quiet and lonely high school girl who's only passion is to cheer traditional cheer squad, but all she could gather were good for nothing guys, who could not find places in school. They start the cheer squad with a disaster, but when they finally find the true meaning of "cheering" someone, their passion becomes power and gives strength to those that are cheered. |
| Genre: Drama / Comedy |
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Cheer Cheer Cheer!
Promo Screening |
| May 16 (Fri) 20:00 / 20:40 / 21:20 @ Palais D |
| May 18 (Sun) 9:30 / 10:10 / 10:50 @ Gray 2 |
| May 19 (Mon) 20:00 / 20:40 / 21:20 @ Gray 4 |
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KABEI - Our Mother
(Original Title: KABEI)
Directed by Yoji Yamada |
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Director: Yoji Yamada (Love and Honor, The Hidden Blade, The Twilight Samurai)
Starring: Sayuri Yoshinaga (Year One in the North, The Makioka Sisters),
Mitsugoro Bando (Love and Honor),
Tadanobu Asano (Café Lumière, Mongol, Zatoichi)
The latest film from Yoji Yamada depicts a strong and emotional drama of a mother during WWII and an eternal message for peace.
Set in Tokyo in 1940, the peaceful life of the Nogami Family suddenly changes when the father, Shigeru, is arrested for crying peace and accused of talking against the country. His wife Kayo works frantically from morning to night to maintain the household and bring up her two daughters with the support of Shigeru's sister Hisako and Shigeru's ex-student Yamazaki. However, her husband does not return. WWII breaks out and casts dark shadows on the entire country, but Kayo still tries to keep her cheerful determination, and sustain the family with her love. |
Genre: Drama
Running time: 133 min |
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KUNG FU KID
(Original Title: KUNG FU KUN)
Directed by Issei Oda |
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Director: Issei Oda (Arch Angels)
Starring: Zhang Zhuang, Pinko Izumi (Learning Circle, "Oshin" series)
A great action entertainment of a little Kung-fu genius comes on screen. Enter the "Little" Dragon!
A little Kung-fu genius, Kung Fu is blown away to Japan by his master from China to defeat the "last opponent" in order to be conferred full Mastership of Kung-Fu. Appealed by his spirit and charm, Tai Chi skilled Izumi and her grand daughter Reiko take care of Kung Fu, as he searches for his last opponent. When Reiko is abducted by evil organization, Kung Fu finally finds out who his last opponent is. His battle now begins! |
Genre: Action/Comedy
Running time: 98 min |
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WALKING MY LIFE
(Original Title: ZO-NO SENAKA)
Directed by Satoshi Isaka |
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Director: Satoshi Isaka ([focus], g@me)
Starring: Koji Yakusho (Memoirs of a Geisha, BABEL), Miki Imai (Brave Story - voice)
A higly moving drama starring Koji Yakusho of BABEL
Yukihiro Fujiyama, 48 years old, is a hard working business man, who suddenly receives a pronouncement that he is in the terminal stages of lung cancer. With only six months left to live, he tries to ascertain what his life has been. His wife, Miwako, fully accepts his decision to "live now" rather than seek life-prolonging treatment. Confronted with "death," he discovers his surrounding a new as he enjoys every minute of the remaining time and finds the true meaning of happiness. |
Genre: Drama/Romance
Running time: 124 min |
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10 PROMISES TO MY DOG
(Original Title: Inu to Watashi no Jyu no Yakusoku)
Directed by Katsuhide Motoki |
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Director: Katsuhide Motoki(Kitaro, The Taste of Fish)
Starring: Lena Tanaka (Kitaro, Give it All), Ryo Kase (Letters From Iwo Jima, HANA), Etsushi Toyokawa (Love Letter)
Inspired by a popular poem "The Ten Commandments of Dog Ownership" comes heartwarming film of the relationship between a girl and her dog.
One day a puppy comes to the house of a 12-year old girl Akari. She immediately falls in love with the puppy and names it "Socks" . They were together day and night.
However, as Akari grows up, her feelings and interest moves away from Socks and also leads to her physical distance as she moves to a far off city, and must leave Socks behind to a childhood friend. One day Akari remembers the 10 promises that she had made to Socks and her deceased mother… |
Genre: ANIMAL / DRAMA / Family
Running time: 117 min |
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MIDNIGHT EAGLE
(Original Title: Midnight Eagle)
Directed by Izuru Narushima |
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Director: Izuru Narushima (Fly, Daddy, Fly, The Hunter and the Hunted)
Starring: Takao Osawa (Helen the Baby Fox, Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World), Yuko Takeuchi (Ring, Heaven's Bookstore), Hiroshi Tamaki (Waterboys, Heavenly Forest)
An exciting action thriller taking place in the snow deep mountains of Japan!
In the skies above the severe winter conditions of the Northern Alps, a top secret American forces' stealth bomber "Midnight Eagle" suddenly vanishes. Its payload is a "specialized warhead." If it were to explode, the entire nation of Japan would be hurled into an unprecedented calamity. An ex-war photographer Nishizaki accidentally encounters the incident, and gets behind the scene, preventing the weapon to fall into the wrong hands. |
Genre: Action/Thriller
Running time: 130 min |
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THE SUICIDE SONG
(Original title: Densen-Uta)
Directed by Masato Harada |
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Director: Masato Harada (Kamikaze Taxi, Inugami)
Starring: Ryuhei Matsuda (Gohatto, NANA, Big Bang Love, Juvenile A), Yusuke Iseya (Casshern, Blindness, Sukiyaki Western )
From the creator of "One Missed Call" comes the terrifying story of a suicide song inspired by a true story!
Kana, a high-school girl, suddenly commits suicide at her school. Her friend Anzu witnesses this disastrous scene, she hears Kana humming a strange song. Meanwhile, Riku, editor of a sensationalist magazine, hears a rumor about a 'suicide song'. Suicides occur one after another, and just when it seems the mystery has become hopelessly complex, Anzu becomes aware of what the song means. Does that song convey despair or hope? |
Genre: HORROR
Running time: 128 min |
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THE SIGNS OF LOVE
(Original title: The Signs of Love - Aishiteru no sain)
Directed by Hiroshi Chono |
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Director: Hiroshi Chono (Debut, First assistant director for "The Grudge")
Starring: Nao Matsushita (Asian Tam Blue, XX), Terunosuke Takezai (Masked Rider - Blade)
Did I ever truly say, how much I love you?
Sayaka and Keita are a young couple, who like everyone in love, had believed that their love for each other will never end. However, as time goes by and they graduate from school, their future starts to part as they both begin moving forward to capture their own dreams. The heart-wrenching story travels from Tokyo to the beautiful setting in Barcelona, as their paths cross once again. |
Genre: ROMANCE / DRAMA
Running time: 115 min |
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| NEW HD REMASTER AVAILABLE |
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Hiroshi Shimizu
-MR. THANK YOU (1936)
-MASSEURS AND THE WOMAN (1938)
-ORNAMENTAL HAIRPIN (1941) |
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40th Anniversary of Tora-san Series
directed by Yoji Yamada
(48 episodes from 1969 -1995 in Guinness Book of World Records!)
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Kenji Mizoguchi
-SISTERS OF GION (1936)
-UTAMARO AND HIS FIVE WOMEN (1948)
--THE STORY OF THE LAST CHRYSANTHEMUM (1939) |
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| ...AND MORE!! |
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