Pigs and Battleships

As American battleships congregate in the occupied port city of Yokosuka, a chaotic microcosm of corrupt businessmen, merciless mobsters, black market dealers and seedy whores try to take advantage of the American presence to make a quick buck.

As American battleships congregate in the occupied port city of Yokosuka, a chaotic microcosm of corrupt businessmen, merciless mobsters, black market dealers and seedy whores try to take advantage of the American presence to make a quick buck. Young Kinta, just a cog in the Yakuza wheel, tries to ensure his future by running a pig farm on their account, while his girlfriend Haruko is determined to escape her destiny, which either dictates prostitution or getting sold to the highest American bidder. Brimming with black humor and boasting an inventive directorial approach and a lightning-quick pace, this savage satire - which made Shôhei Imamura famous - is the epitome of his trademark style, embracing each and every one of its marginal characters, warts and all. Although a scathing criticism on Western intervention in post-war Japan and its flagrant exploitation by his fellow countrymen, Imamura still shines a light for anyone with a shred of innocence left in their heart. Th.P.

Original title: Buta to Gunkan

Σκηνοθεσία / Director: Shôhei Imamura

Σενάριο / Screenwriter: Hisashi Yamauchi

Φωτογραφία / DoP: Shinsaku Himeda

Μουσική / Music: Toshiro Mayuzumi

Ηθοποιοί / Principal Cast: Hiroyuki Nagato, Jitsuko Yoshimura, Masao Mishima, Tetsuro Tamba

Ιαπωνία / Japan

1961

Ασπρόμαυρο / B&W

108'

Ιαπωνικά / Japanese

* Screened on September 22nd and September 23rd

Publication date: 2012-08-21 19:26:20

Nikkatsu at 100

Epic war sagas, teenage anarchy films, eccentric softcore porn, ingenious social satire, highly stylized film noir and a touch of haunted horror, the rich and provocative history of the oldest film studio in the Land of the Rising Sun is indicative of the artistic complexity of Japanese cinema as whole.

Charisma

After a hostage situation ends in tragedy, detective Goro takes a forced leave of absence. Consumed by his guilt, he wanders off into an isolated forest full of ailing trees and polluted creaks. Upon reaching a clearing dominated by a mysterious tree (the titular Charisma), he witnesses a battle around this rare and dangerous specimen, which seems to poison everything in its vicinity.

The Burmese Harp

During the last few days of World War II, a Japanese platoon surrenders to the British Forces in Burma and finds peace of mind through music. Cut off from his comrades, a missing soldier and skilled hard player who's presumed dead, dresses up as a Buddhist monk.

Intentions of Murder

Faithful wife, obedient daughter-in-law and loving mother, Sadako is content with her destiny, no matter what the future might bring, like the traditional Japanese woman that she is. Until one day, she is assaulted by an unknown perpetrator in the privacy of her own home.

Crazed Fruit

During a blistering summer, Natsu initiates his younger brother Haru to the hedonistic habits of his inner circle, a group of young men who spend their time playing cards, chasing women and working the nightclub circuit.

Mud and Soldiers

During WWII, the Japanese army infiltrates the Chinese mainland, marching through anonymous villages and fighting exhaustion, natural obstacles and the permanent sense of menace that goes hand-in-hand with the absurdity of war.