Directed by: Hajime Hashimoto
2020
/ 129 minutes
/ Unclassified all ages
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Featuring a star-studded cast, this dramatic retelling of Hokusai’s life is based on the thorough research of historical documents, with impactful scenes of wild weather serving as dramatic punctuation throughout the film.
CANCELLED due to COVID-19
Palace Electric, Canberra
Palace Raine Square, Perth
Palace Barracks, Brisbane
Palace Barracks, Brisbane
The Kino, Melbourne
Join us for a post-film talk with Wayne Crothers Senior Curator of Asian Art at NGV
The Kino, Melbourne
Palace Norton Street, Sydney
Join us for a post-film talk with Melanie Eastburn Senior Curator of Asian Art at AGNSW
Palace Norton Street, 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