The Tale of Iya (Rina Takeda, 169 min, 35mm)

[HungFist]

If you know anything about modern Japanese cinema you should be as puzzled as I am about the combination of a 169 min movie shout by an unknown young director Tetsuichiro Tsuta on 35mm film (even Sion Sono can't afford that) and starring Rina Takeda of all people. Even the website is available in English.... Clearly aiming for an epic. Whether it will be an epic film or an epic pancake remains to be seen.

Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOUN8ppT5NY

Site:
http://iyamonogatari.jp/contents/renewal-en.htm

Premiered at TIFF a few days ago, theatrical release in spring 2014.

[HungFist]

Review:
http://twitchfilm.com/2013/10/tokyo-201 ... f-aya.html

[grim_tales]

I like the haunting piano soundtrack in the trailer, not really sure what type of film its going to be overall though from that. Could be a drama but who knows?

[HungFist]

Schilling review:
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/201 ... wC6Ws4UapB

[HungFist]

My God, this was fantastic! Schilling put it perfectly when he described it as "magical realism in the mountains". Haunting, meaningful and breathtakingly beautiful. I never thought Rina Takeda could be this good. Some small flaws, like weaker ending, and lesser acting but a foreign actor, but this something that will stay in your mind for a long time. I didn't think Japanese cinema could still produce something this epic.

Second trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75Y8fHWx8u0

and a few more reviews:

"A work of instant and startling brilliance"
- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film ... eview.html

"A modern classic of Japanese cinema"
- http://www.milngavieherald.co.uk/what-s ... -1-3365553

"A film of serene and organic beauty"
- http://www.soundonsight.org/gff-2014-th ... ic-beauty/

[HungFist]

Interview with the director:
http://www.cool-ny.com/en/archives/2027

[HungFist]

Japanese BD (and DVD) coming in August
- http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_dvd. ... sid=958195

[Tenchu1998]

This is great news! This is the movie I want to watch the most right now.

Seems that Tetsuichiro Tsuta is taking huge interested in themes regarding the environment and man's tradition in connection to his habitat. According to AsianWiki, his previous movie, 'Island of Dreams', deals with the destruction of the environment, as well. And 'Tale of Iya' seems to deal with the continuous of modernization, and the conflicts it creates. I see also that Naomi Kawase is cast in the movie, which is very appropriate here since Kawase has been doing movies that touch upon similar themes.

There is this Japan Cuts Q&A with the director here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rWBohPZlu0

He talks about the cast, Iya and the real conflict, and the split between people on the issue regarding modernization, among other things.

[HungFist]

The upcoming Japanese Blu-Ray will contain English subtitles!
- http://www.happinetonline.com/NASApp/mn ... 8013312883