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. Born out of the coalition of a series of production companies and movie theater networks, the Nikkatsu Corporation was established in September 1912. During WWII it was forced to merge with other studios in a big government conglomerate, only to rise again stronger than ever in 1954, makings its presence known in the creative boom of post-war Japanese cinema. The constant demand for thematic and stylistic renewal lead the company down an adventurous path full of twists and turns, with small revolutions opening the door to some of the most idiosyncratic talent in homegrown cinema. From the daring experimentations of a new generation violently rebelling against its predecessors (Sun Tribe) to the adrenaline-filled adventures of the Yakuza and the inspired soft-core extravaganzas of Roman Porno, Nikkatsu proved a real trailblazer through the 50s, 60s and 70s, setting the rules for everyone else to follow. Enriching the country's pop culture with countless new references, the Studio is still a platform for new talent and continues to keep the commercial movie circuit alive to this very day. The legendary studio gave birth to a plethora of genres and movie trends, while a small army of charismatic stars and extraordinary filmmaking talent (from Kenji Mizoguchi and Kon Ichikawa to Shôhei Imamura and Seijun Suzuki), left their mark and developed their inimitable cinematic style under its auspices. Celebrating 100 years of uninterrupted creativity, the Athens International Film Festival pays tribute to some of the most memorable moments in Nikkatsu history with an eclectic mix of classic masterpieces and rare finds.

Thanasis Patsavos

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

The Sun in the Last Days of the Shogunate

A young samurai determined to restore the glory days of the past. Two gorgeous geishas fighting to the death. An ambitious plan for a spectacular double suicide. A devious yet broke whorehouse ...