Film Festival

Japanese Film Festival: Kurosawa Kanpai!27 Sep 2024 to 20 Oct 2024

Arguably the most celebrated Japanese filmmaker of all time, Akira Kurosawa had a career that spanned from the Second World War to the early nineties and that stands as a monument of artistic and personal achievement, influencing countless other legendary directors such as Scorsese, Wong Kar-wai, Tarkovsky or George Lucas, which was famously inspired by “The Hidden Fortress” when he created “Star Wars”

Kurosawa himself was greatly influenced by Western artists such as John Ford, Dostoevsky or Shakespeare, applying his learnings to stories catering to the post-war Japanese population, and tackling societal issues and humanist dilemmas infused with stylistic elements of Japanese theater such as Kabuki and Noh.

For our partnership with the Japanese Film Festival this year, we have prepared a selection of his most popular films that should serve as a beginner’s friendly guide to his extensive body of work. Encompassing multiple genres, from period epics to film noir, and realist dramas to surrealist dream-like fantasies, there’s plenty to discover and be awed by when diving into Kurosawa’s work on the big screen.

Organised by The Projector. Part of Japanese Film Festival. In partnership with Singapore Film Society and the Japan Creative Centre

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Dates

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Genres

Limited Screening

DramaFantasy

Dreams (黒澤明の夢)PG

Dates: 28 Sep & 6 Oct

A visually striking anthology film that presents a series of surreal, dream-like episodes inspired by Kurosawa's own visions and fears. Each segment explores themes of nature, humanity, and the supernatural, blending stunning imagery with profound reflections on life and the environment. "Dreams" offers a captivating and introspective journey into the realm of imagination and consciousness.

Limited Screening

CrimeDramaMysteryThriller

High & Low (高い城)PG

Dates: 29 Sep & 4 Oct

A gripping crime thriller that explores moral dilemmas and societal divides. When a wealthy executive's son is kidnapped, the ransom demands reveal a shocking twist: the kidnapper has mistakenly abducted the chauffeur's child instead. Kurosawa masterfully intertwines intense suspense with a deep examination of class disparity and justice.

Limited Screening

Drama

Ikiru (生きる)PG

Dates: 1, 6, 11 Oct

"Ikiru" is a poignant exploration of life and legacy. The film follows Kanji Watanabe, a bureaucrat who, after learning he has terminal cancer, sets out to find meaning in his existence. His quest leads him to undertake a seemingly small but profoundly impactful project, a playground for children. With its deeply humanistic storytelling and reflective narrative, "Ikiru" is a powerful meditation on the search for purpose and the value of leaving a lasting positive mark on the world.

Limited Screening

Action Drama

Ran (乱)PG13

Dates: 27 Sep, 12 & 19 Oct

A visually stunning and emotionally powerful epic inspired by Shakespeare’s "King Lear." Set in feudal Japan, the film tells the story of an aging warlord who divides his kingdom among his three sons, leading to a devastating descent into betrayal and chaos. "Ran" explores themes of power, family, and the inevitable decay of human ambition.

Limited Screening

CrimeDramaMystery

Rashomon (羅生門)PG

Dates: 29 Sep, 5 & 13 Oct

A groundbreaking film that delves into the nature of truth and justice. Set in ancient Japan, the story unfolds through multiple conflicting perspectives as witnesses recount a violent incident involving a samurai, his wife, and a bandit. The innovative use of flashbacks and its exploration of moral ambiguity had a profound impact on cinema, making "Rashomon" a landmark in cinematic history.

Note: This film has themes on sexual violence

Limited Screening

Action Drama

Seven Samurai (七人の侍)PG

Dates: 28 Sep, 5 & 20 Oct

A timeless epic that masterfully blends action, drama, and historical intrigue. Set in feudal Japan, the film follows a village of farmers who hire seven samurai to protect them from a band of marauding bandits. With its groundbreaking cinematography, compelling characters, and intricate storytelling, "Seven Samurai" is a landmark in world cinema that has influenced countless films and remains a powerful testament to Kurosawa's genius.