Japanese FF launch moves audience to tears

Showtimes

News

Japanese FF launch moves audience to tears

Writer: Ezekiel Lee Zhiang Yang

L-R: Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur Director Shimoyama Masaya, film directors Liew Seng Tat and Tan Chui Mui, Golden Screen Cinemas CEO Koh Mei Lee and Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia His Excellency Horie Masahiko.

17 Jul – The launch of the Japanese Film Festival 2008 at GSC Mid Valley on Tuesday evening was an eventful one, as "Tokyo Tower: Mom & Me And Sometimes Dad" played to dignitaries and invited guests, moving many to tears.

As if the yakitori and green tea served did not do enough for the gastronomic senses, the award-winning film adapted from Lily Franky's autobiography managed to prod at emotions as well. True to what Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia His Excellency Mr Horie Masahiko said in his speech, "... Japanese films are not only about martial arts and swordplay, they encompass all nuances of the human emotion." His Excellency delivered a speech with a little Malay thrown in, and got some laughs from the floor for his "Sediakan tisu dan sapu tangan" statement.

"What underwear?" – Special guests film directors Liew Seng Tat and Tan Chui Mui performed a Japanese stand-up comedy onstage

Those who turned up were also treated to a stand-up comedy (shoto konto) performed by local film directors Tan Chui Mui and Liew Seng Tat, both special guests at the event. They were decked in traditional Japanese costumes and delivered a scene from "Kids Return" by Kitano Takeshi.

The Japanese Film Festival will run from July 17-27 at GSC International Screens, showcasing 10 movies. Each ticket is affordably priced at RM 5. For more details, follow the link below.

Related articles:
10 movies lined up for Japanese Film Festival 2008 Cinema Online, 17 July 2008