Reality Fiction: Japanese Films Inspired by Actual Events

6 Feb 2009 – 12 Feb 2009

Following last year's successful A Life More Ordinary: A Portrait of Contemporary Japanese People on Film, the Japan Foundation's annual touring film programme this year looks at how Japanese filmmakers have been influenced by actual events, some of which have shaped the nation's recent history.

You don't have to know the details of the true stories behind the six films here to appreciate their dramatic potency or the filmmaker's artistic achievements.

This season is produced and organised by the Japan Foundation with advice from Jasper Sharp

Who's Camus Anyway? (Kamyu Nante Shiranai)

6 Feb 2009

In May 2000, almost 60 years after Albert Camus' The Outsider depicted a seemingly motiveless murder, an old woman was stabbed to death in Aichi, Japan.

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Live Today, Die Tomorrow

7 Feb 2009 – 9 Feb 2009

The tale of a 19-year-old who used a stolen gun from the US troops at Yokosuka and shot four people at various locations.

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Now, I... (Ima Boku Wa)

8 Feb 2009 – 9 Feb 2009

Debut director and lead actor Chikuma draws attention to 'neets' (not engaged in employment, education or training), and creates a perfect little film on a miniscule budget.

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A Chain of Islands (Nihon Retto)

8 Feb 2009 – 10 Feb 2009

A compelling murder-mystery from 1965 about a US army sergeant found drowned in Tokyo Bay.

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Chosyu Five

11 Feb 2009

A stirring and extravagant historical drama, starring charismatic young lead Ryuhei Matsuda as a 19th-century Japanese adventurer.

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Face (Kao)

12 Feb 2009

Shortly after her mother's funeral, meek and mild-mannered Masako has an unprecedented violent clash with her sister, and strangles her.

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