20 Films you cannot miss at the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival 2017 (Part 2)

By Asian Film Festival on October 24, 2017 • ( Leave a comment )

We continue with our list of movies you cannot miss at the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival 2017 that will take place from October 25th until November 3rd in Tokyo, Japan.

Radiance by Naomi Kawase – Japan | 2017 – 101 min.
Japan Now

An emotional story of people learning to move on in their lives after losing something important. Official Selection, 70th Cannes Film Festival Competiton. Prize of the Ecumenical Jury winner.

Schedule:
October 28th, 2017 | Saturday | TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills 1 | 10:20 am (Q&A | Sold Out)

Trailer:

Someone from Nowhere (Ma na thee nee) by Prabda Yoon – Thailand | 2017 – 87 min.
Asian Future

A woman in her 20s. Her pleasant morning changes dramatically when an injured man enters… A mysterious drama set in a closed room is the second film by a charismatic young author-director.

Trailer:

Stonehead by Zhao Xiang – China | 2017 – 90 min.
World Focus

A Chinese village deep in the countryside: home to 10-year-old Zhu Hongbo, whom everyone calls ‘Stonehead’. He is one of many children whose parents have moved to the big cities as migrant workers. With only their grandparents and a few teachers around, they have to find others to look up to – or become role models themselves. As a county model student, Stonehead receives not just a certificate, but also a brand-new football. Yet his joy at receiving this reward soon gives way to disappointment.

Trailer:

Sweet Country by Warwick Thornton – Australia | 2017 – 113 min.
World Focus

Aboriginal stockman Sam Kelly works the land of a kind preacher, Fred Smith, living and laboring in a respectful, if diffident, harmony. But when a bitter and often-drunk war veteran named Harry March returns to town, trouble escalates and Sam is forced to kill in self-defense. Shocked, afraid, and with a deep distrust in the impartiality of settler authority, Sam and his wife Lizzie go on the run. Urgently pursued by a posse led by Sergeant Fletcher and Aboriginal tracker Archie, expert bushman Sam must ultimately decide which of several looming unknowns to face.

Trailer:

The Home by Asghar Yousefinejad – Iran | 2017 – 78 min.
In Competition

When her father dies, a grieving woman returns to the family home after a long absence. As her relatives assemble to pay their respects, questions arise about how to deal with the body in this surprising suspense.

Trailer:

The Hungry Lion by Takaomi Ogata – Japan |2017 – 78 min.
Japanese Cinema Splash

Hitomi’s homeroom tutor is taken away by the police for suspected child prostitution and child pornography. His sex video is leaked and a rumor starts that Hitomi is the girl in the video. She can’t believe anyone would fall for such a lie, but it spreads like wildfire and Hitomi kills herself. The arrest of a teacher and the suicide of his student is easy prey for the media and reporting intensifies, creating a false image of Hitomi. The film portrays the inherent brutality in videos and other media, and brings to light our darkest desires as we consume such materials. These 78 minutes are a stark reminder that we live in the golden era of fake news across the world.

Trailer:

The Lowlife by Takahisa Zeze – Japan | 2017 – 121 min.
In Competition

A stunning adaptation by renowned director Takahisa Zeze of a novel by current porn video actress Mana Sakura, portraying strongly and subtly the struggle of women seeking their own ways of life.

Trailer:

The Portrait (Ang Larawan) by Loy Arcenas – Philippines | 2017 | 120 min.
Asian Future

Set in a mansion in Manila in 1941 just before the Pacific War, The Portrait is a romantic family-themed musical with brilliant singing by world-renowned musical stars.

Trailer:

The Right to Kill (Tu Pug Imatuy) by Arnel Arbi Barbarona – Philippines | 2017 – 90 min.
Asian Future

A hunting-fishing family lives deep the jungle on Mindanao. Their peaceful life ends when the army arrives in search of guerrillas. A tense, multi-award-winning film.

Trailer:

Underground (Pailalim) by Daniel R. Palacio – Philippines | 2017 – 84 min.
World Focus

Bangis is a poor gravedigger living inside a cemetery mausoleum with his family. As his daughter becomes ill, getting her checked into a hospital becomes a dilemma. He knows he needs to get money as soon as possible. As the illness lingers for weeks, Bangis’s desperation grows stronger. He must do something or his child won’t survive her ordeal. Risking everything, he decides to steal a newly buried corpse and sell it to a funeral parlor for money. He only hopes that everything goes well and it’s not too late for his beloved daughter.

Trailer: