Biographical, Drama, Opening Film, Period
Special Events

Hokusai

Directed by: Hajime Hashimoto
2020 / 129 minutes / Unclassified all ages

Official website

An artist’s fight to remain true to himself

He is arguably Japan’s most influential artist, but how much is known about the life of Katsushika Hokusai? Directed by Hajime Hashimoto, this insightful biopic depicts the frantic life of the legendary Japanese ukiyo-e artist, in all its glory and setbacks. The story takes place during the final decades of the Edo period, when many facets of popular culture were suppressed by the shogunate and labeled as ‘morally corrupt’. A young and immature Hokusai (Yūya Yagira, Nobody Knows) can barely make ends meet with his art, until famous publisher Tsutaya Jūzaburō (Hiroshi Abe, The Crimes That Bind, JFF 2018) discovers his talent. He helps Hokusai find his unique style and originality, but not without pitting him against ukiyo-e talents such as Utamaro and Sharaku! After a tragic loss in his later years, an artistically mature Hokusai (Min Tanaka, Destiny: The Tale of Kamakura JFF 2018 ) revisits his view of art as a political act against the system.

Featuring a star-studded cast, this dramatic retelling of Hokusai’s life is based on the thorough research of historical documents, with impactful scenes of wild weather serving as dramatic punctuation throughout the film.

Audience warning: Contains some violence and mild nudity

Thursday 28th October
19:00
Concluded

CANCELLED due to COVID-19

Palace Electric, Canberra

Thursday 4th November
19:30
Concluded

Palace Raine Square, Perth

Thursday 11th November
19:00
Concluded

Palace Barracks, Brisbane

Sunday 21st November
15:30
Concluded

Palace Barracks, Brisbane

Thursday 18th November
19:20
Concluded

The Kino, Melbourne

Sunday 21st November
17:00
Concluded

Join us for a post-film talk with Wayne Crothers Senior Curator of Asian Art at NGV

The Kino, Melbourne

Thursday 25th November
19:20
Concluded

Palace Norton Street, Sydney

Sunday 5th December
15:00
Concluded

Join us for a post-film talk with Melanie Eastburn Senior Curator of Asian Art at AGNSW

Palace Norton Street, Sydney

Screens in: Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney

Director: Hajime Hashimoto

Cast: Yūya Yagira, Min Tanaka and Hiroshi Abe

Genre: Biographical, Drama, Opening Film, Period

Category: Special Events

Language(s): Japanese with English subtitles

Format: DCP colour