Udine Far East Film Festival

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The annual Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy is one of the most important Asian film festivals in the world, and proves how cinema is itself already trans-national, writes Hiu Chan.

Once Upon A Time In Japan

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From horror, comedy, thrillers and animation to period films and docudramas, ONCE UPON A TIME IN JAPAN demonstrates the richness, the diversity and the relevance of a contemporary Japanese cinema that is vastly under-represented on the international film circuit.

Kaidan

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KAIDAN puts a reflective spin on the traditional ghost story by engaging writers and film directors unfamiliar to the genre.

Ahiru to kamo no koinrokkâ

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Don’t mistake this for just another hipster “my wacky friend is crying on the inside” dramedy – AHIRU TO KAMO NO KOINROKKA is a slow burning thriller with a Lynchian twist.

Air Doll (Kuki Ningyo)

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Based on a cute manga of the same name, AIR DOLL is a classic “manic pixie dream girl” vehicle with a shocking twist, writes Rosy Hunt.

I Wish (Kiseki)

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Our man at this years Brighton Film Festival, Harry Hunt reviews Hirokazu Koreeda’s charming KISEKI. The children will love it – what a shame the BBFC slapped it with a 15 rating!

Beat It

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A look at some of the outstanding works of Takeshi Kitano (ZATOICHI, “Takeshi’s Castle”), whose latest film OUTRAGE BEYOND will be released in Japan on 6th October, after premiering at Venice and making its US debut at Toronto in September. Cross fingers for a UK release date this year!

Isn’t Anyone Alive? (Ikiterumono wa inainoka)

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The characters of ISN’T ANYONE ALIVE represent a sort of Japanese version of “The Only Way Is Essex”. But whereas TOWIE merely heralds the approaching Armageddon, here the apocalypse actually arrives.

TFF2012: Interview with Toshiaki Toyoda

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One of Japan’s most infamous and most admired directors, Toshiaki Toyoda’s unique style has illuminated the programme at this year’s Terracotta Film Festival. Ferry Hunt spoke to Toyoda at a Terracotta masterclass in London today.