ryuganji: film news from japan

After his big-budget 2003 remake of Fukasaku Kinji’s “Samurai Resurrection” betrayed expectations and the subsequent Ishihara Pro-backed Nikkatsu crime drama “Lady Joker” made even less of an impact the following year, little was heard from filmmaker Hirayama Hideyuki apart from female friendship drama “Taigan no Kanojo” which was broadcast on satellite channel Wowow in January of 2006. This was all following a steady rise that began with his directorial debut in 1990, continued via the “Gakko no Kaidan” series of juvenile horror films, and culminated in a string of critically well-received works including 2003 Midnight Eye reader’s poll winner “A Laughing Frog” and touted Hollywood remake fodder “Turn” and “Out”. Although he’s never enjoyed outstanding commercial success, Hirayama has always maintained a reputation as a reliable helmer of comedy dramas and this was consolidated when he returned in 2007 with two more solid efforts, rakugo-themed ensemble piece “Talk, Talk, Talk” (Shaberedomo Shaberedomo) and supernaturally enhanced period buddy film “Three for the Road” (Yaji Kita Dochu: Teresuko).

Now the latter film is headed to DVD on May 23 in two versions, both with English subtitles; a no-frills package and a special edition featuring a disc with bonus features (presumably unsubbed), a 32-page photo book, a 56-page storyboard and script book, and a special case overseen by the film’s star, Kabuki veteran Nakamura Kanzaburo. I can’t vouch for the film personally as I regretably missed out on this one in theatres, but both Variety and GreenCine Daily had nothing but good things to say about it.

While I’m on the subject of DVDs, Logboy dropped me a line to point out that Animeigo are releasing the late Imamura Shohei’s 1983 Palme D’or winner “The Ballad of Narayama” in the U.S. on June 10th. HKFlix seem to be the only ones offering preorders right now. Tartan have already released Kinoshita Keisuke’s 1958 version on RO Pal.