*Subject to a £1 ticketing system charge. We don’t charge this to make a profit. Find out more >>

Japan Touring Film Programme 2018

(Un)true Colours – Secrets and Lies in Japanese Cinema

Everybody has once told a lie or kept something hidden from others. Whether for good intentions or otherwise, it is a fundamental and intriguing aspect of human nature which has provided inspiration to countless storytellers and filmmakers.

With diverse cinematic voices, The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2018 features some of the best examples of cinema from Japan and will look at how the country’s filmmakers have been drawn to portraying the “(un)true” colours of human nature. The twists and turns of life portrayed in the programme are at times heart-rending, at other times hilarious, but always enthralling.

Specially commissioned programme notes will be available at each screening.

Sword of the Stranger

Showing Times

• Tue 27 Mar – 7.30pm

Directed by Masahiro Ando, 2007, 102 min, English subtitles

In feudal era Japan, young Kotaro is pursued by the royal army of China’s Ming Dynasty. When his loyal dog Tobimaru is injured in an ambush, Kotaru reluctantly recruits a mysterious, nameless samurai as his bodyguard. However, “No-name” has a guilty past and his own inner demons to battle.

A classic animation which celebrates its tenth anniversary, this breath-taking and thrilling action anime features stunningly animated fight scenes and is produced by Studio Bones, the legendary animators behind Fullmetal Alchemist and Cowboy Bebop.

Venue: Studio 74, Exeter Phoenix