Double Suicide | 心中天網島 J-Film

Drama

Presented by JICC, Embassy of Japan and the Japan Commerce Association of Washington DC

10 MAY WED., 6:30 PM JICC

Winner of Best Film and Best Actress at the 1970 Kinema Junpo Awards and Mainichi Film Concurs

Many films have drawn from classic Japanese theatrical forms, but none with such shocking cinematic effect as director Masahiro Shinoda’s Double Suicide. In this striking adaptation of a Bunraku puppet play (featuring the music of famed composer Toru Takemitsu), a paper merchant sacrifices family, fortune, and ultimately life for his erotic obsession with a prostitute.

Starring Shima Iwashita, Kichiemon Nakamura

This film contains some thematic material that is not suitable for younger viewers. Recommended for ages 15+.

WOMEN IN CINEMA

ABOUT THE SCREENWRITER

An award-winning novelist, poet, and screenwriter Taeko Tomioka’s career has spanned over fifty years. She graduated from Osaka Women’s College in English literature and has translated several of Getrude Stein’s works into Japanese. Her most well-known works include Facing the Hill They Stand (1971), The Sound of Rose Burning (1971), and The Family in Hades (1974).

In film, she collaborated with eclectic director Masahiro Shinoda, writing and co-writing for his films Double Suicide (1969), Himiko (1974), Under the Blossoming Cherry Trees (1975), and Gonza the Spearman (1986).

Japanese with English subtitles | Not Rated | 104 min | 1969 | Directed by Masahiro Shinoda


Presented in conjunction with the JICC's exhibition Meet Netsuke! Storytellers of Japan.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required for security purposes. Doors open at 6:00 PM and will close once seating is full or promptly at 7:00pm. Registered guests will be seated on a first come, first served basis. Please note that seating is limited and registration does not guarantee guests a seat.

To modify your registration, please email jicc@ws.mofa.go.jp. Your registration is not transferable.

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