Previously at the ICA - Seasons

Still: Strawberry Shortcakes

A Life More Ordinary: A Portrait of Contemporary Japanese People on Film

9 Feb 200817 Feb 2008

With this season of six contemporary films, the Japan Foundation's annual touring film programme offers a glimpse of real life in contemporary Japan.

Almost half a century ago, during the second golden period of Japanese cinema, directors such as Yasujiro Ozu and Mikio Naruse created some of the finest examples of a sub-genre of films that had been around since the 1920s: shomin-geki. These are dramas about the everyday struggles and moral conflicts of the ordinary working people of Japan.

Fifty years on the potential for drama may not have changed but the situations have: there are no bullets to the head or blood splatter, no clashing katana or bizarre ghosts with long hair. Does this sound boring? Don't worry, this season, chock-a-block with UK premieres, remains true to the history of Japanese cinema and provides experiences much closer to home.

This film season is produced and organised by the Japan Foundation with advice from Jasper Sharp, independent programmer

  • Still: The Milkwoman

    The Milkwoman

    9 Feb 200811 Feb 2008

    A quiet life can take unexpected turns in this tale of love lost and rediscovered.

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  • Still: Strawberry Shortcakes

    Strawberry Shortcakes

    10 Feb 2008

    Based on the comic book by Kiriko Nananan, a tale of four women tackling their tricky lives in Tokyo.

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  • Still: The Cat Leaves Home

    The Cat Leaves Home

    12 Feb 200813 Feb 2008

    A perceptive portrait of jealousy and friendship between two friends who are interested in the same man.

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  • Still: Kamikaze Girls

    Kamikaze Girls

    13 Feb 200815 Feb 2008

    A comic journey into Japan's youth subcultures, based on a graphic novel by cult manga creator Novala Takemoto.

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  • Still: No One's Ark

    No One's Ark

    16 Feb 200817 Feb 2008

    A couple resort to extreme measures when their business plan goes pear-shaped, in this story of making a go of it, and failing.

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  • Still: Kaza-Hana

    Kaza-Hana

    17 Feb 2008

    A road movie from Moving director, contemplating destiny and life's unpredictability.

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When

E.g., 04-08-2021
E.g., 04-08-2021