Ainu Mosir / アイヌモシㇼ - 2020 HIFF Movie Review

The Movie: Ainu Mosir / アイヌモシㇼ

The Director: Takeshi Fukunaga

The Cast: Lily Franky, Kanto Shimokura, Riwka Shimokura, Debo Akibe, Tôko Miura

The Story: A coming of age tale about Kanto, a 14 year old boy, and a descendant of Japan's indigenous Ainu people, who struggles to come to terms with the recent loss of his father.

Shoplifters (万引き家族) - Movie Review

The Movie: Shoplifters (万引き家族)

The Director: Kore-eda Hirokazu

The Cast: Lily Franky, Sakura Andô, Mayu Matsuoka, Kairi Jō, Miyu Sasaki, Kirin Kiki

The Story: A family of small-time crooks take in a child they find outside in the cold.

Yakuza Apocalypse - Movie Review

Yakuza Apocalypse is an action comedy from acclaimed Japanese director Takashi Miike who's previous work includes classic films like 13 Assassins, Audition, and Ichi the Killer. The movie features performances by Hayato Ichihara, Yayan Ruhian, Rirî Furankî, Riko Narumi, Pierre Taki, Mio Yûki, and Kiyohiko Shibukawa. For my Seattle area readers, you can watch this movie at the Sundance Cinemas beginning Friday, October 9th and, for those following along at home, it will also be available On Demand that same day.