Masters & Mavericks

映画監督 FILM DIRECTORS
AKIRA KUROSAWA (1910-1998)
Responsible for some of the most famous Japanese movies of all time and bringing the cinema of Japan to the attention of the West. He has influenced generations of directors such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Quentin Tarantino to name but a few. His most brilliant works include Shichinin no Samura (Seven Samurai), Rashomon, Ikiru, Ran, Yojimbo and The Hidden Fortress.

YASUJIRO OZU (1903-1963)
Another true master film maker. A member of the Shochiku studio and a silent movie maker for the majority of his career. Ozu depicted post war Japan and its effect on the Japanese family in many of his features. His most compelling and acclaimed film is undoubtedly Tokyo Story.

KINJI FUKASAKU (1930-2003)
Now most famous for his remarkable Batoru rowaiaru (Battle Royale).A shocking insight into the collapse of Japanese youth culture. His earlier movies also comment on imperfections and worrying elements in Japanese Society, namely the rise of the Yakuza (mafia). Battles Without Honour & Humanity, Yakuza Graveyard and Street Mobster each examine the world of Tokyo's most violent crime bosses.

TAKESHI 'BEAT' KITANO (1947- PRESENT)
One of Japans all round great filmakers and entertainers. Takeshi has enjoyed a long and varied career and is quite the Renaissance man being an actor, director, journalist, author and comedian! He caught the worlds attention with his moving film Hana-bi, winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. His must see works include Violent Cop, Kikujiru, Battle Royale and Zatoichi.

TAKESHI MIIKE (1960-PRESENT)
The master of shock cinema and the surreal. Miike is a highly prolific film maker and has directed over 70 films in his career to date! His finest films are Audition, Ichi The Killer, Dead or Alive, Gozu,The Happiness Of The Katakuris and Box. His Television work is also worth a mention especially the rather excellent and somewhat confusing MPD Psycho.

COMING SOON: THE NEW WAVE (SHUNJI IWAI, MINORU KAWASAKI, RYUHEI KITAMURA & SHINYA TSUKAMOTO)

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