Eiga Sai 2012 Opening Night

The Eiga Sai is once again in town and that only means that the Japanese culture enthusiasts and movie buffs are braving the weather and the long lines to see contemporary Japanese films for free at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall. This annual film event is part of much awaited Philippines-Japanese Friendship Month organized by the Japan Foundation, Manila. Once again, I’ve had the privilege of being one of the guests during the festival’s opening night, an invitational only affair that happened a day before the public screenings began. The guests at the opening night savored the food and the drinks served at the cocktails held at the Atrium before the actual screening of the film. They also had fun at the photobooth which is always a hit in events such as these. This year, the opening film was Akunin (悪人)/Villain which is a movie that thrilled and challenged the viewer at the same time. Before the film was shown, Lala Fojas, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Shangri-La Corporation, Minister Shinsuke Shimizu, Minister and Head of Chancery of the Embassy of Japan, and Shuji Takatori, Director of Japan Foundation, Manila welcomed the audience, gave opening remarks and messages, and ultimately introduced the film.

Shinsuke Shimizu, Shuji Takatori, Lala Fojas, and Yukie Mitomi

Akunin (悪人)/Villain

It is very hard to talk about this film without revealing any spoilers. This movie is adapted from the novel of the same name by Suichi Yoshida. Directed by Lee Sang-il, this movie focuses on Yuichi Shimizu, played by Satoshi Tsumabuki, who becomes the suspect in the murder of Yoshino Ishibashi (Hikari Mitsushima). Another person who is suspected of murdering her is rich, college student Keigo Masuo whom she also met on the night that she died. The first act of this film went on like a typical crime tale that kept the audience guessing as to who was really the murder suspect. But the truth as to who really did it gets known earlier on. Entering the scene as well is Mitsuyo Magome (Eri Fukatsu) whose involvement with Yuichi moved and accelerated the story forward in ways and turns that I never expected. The film disturbed me in a way that a lot of the characters are sympathetic but they all had tragic flaws that eventually blurred the definition of who the villain really is. I left the theater hoping that an English translation of the novel is available at local bookstores since watching the movie made me really interested in getting the source material.

Eiga Sai 2012 will run at the Shangri-La Cinema 4 up to July 15, 2012. The festival then moves to Gaisano South Citi Mall in Davao on July 20-22, 2012. Ayala Center Cinema 4 will be the next stop on August 7-12, 2012. The final leg of the Eiga Sai happens at the UP Film Institute this August 15-21, 2012.

Guitar and koto duo Aki & Kuniko returns

Another Philippines-Japan Friendship Month 2012 event to look out for is the return of the guitar and koto duo of Aki & Kuniko. I was able to watch their performance last year and it’s not just the combination of the guitar and the koto that is to look out for. One also needs to take note of the differing styles of the two with Aki as the rocker with the guitar while Kuniko is the traditional one with the koto. The performance dates (free admission) are as follows:

July 13, 2012, 6:30 PM Abelardo Hall, UP College of Music, UP Diliman

July 14, 2012, 7:00 PM Conspiracy Café, Quezon City

July 16, 2012 6:00 University of the Cordilleras Theater, Baguio City

July 20, 2012 8:45 PM Jazz n’ bluz Bar & Restaurant, Cebu City

July 21, 2012 4:00 PM Ayala Center Cebu

Tickets:

Free admission

For inquiries:

Japan Foundation, Manila 811-6155 to 58, email@jfmo.org.ph