22. Anime Review: Phoenix: Reminiscence of Flower (2023) by Shojiro Nishimi
It is important to note where “Phoenix: Reminiscence of Flower” excels before focusing on its shortcomings. Studio 4°C did a phenomenal job adapting Tezuka's work visually, with the anime offering a unique, fantastical world while keeping the classic manga aesthetic. Moreover, it can't be understated how well the production captures the vastness of space, a mix of beauty and wonder, with several sequences that see the travelers sweeping across multiple galaxies. The world within feels wholly original yet oddly nostalgic under the lens of Tezuka's inspiration. (Adam Symchuk)
23. Film Review: God Seeks in Return (2022) by Keisuke Yoshida
“God Seeks in Return” is a blend of many genres, but it works best as a satire on social media, online damn on troll-culture. Similar to his past features, Yoshida finds the right images and dialogues to make some rather poignant remarks about the aforementioned topics, with one especially funny about how YouTube culture has become less about the content and more about the image. Yukino Kishii's character is an example of a creator selling out, focusing on image and not caring about what she produces, which seems to be more about her physical features, pranks and other PR stunts. At the same time, Yoshida presents some of the problematic side-effects of this culture, starting from a general lack of decency and respect to online harassment and bullying. To those familiar with social media or YouTube culture, these observations are certainly nothing new, but it does not make them any less relevant. (Rouven Linnarz)
24. Film Review: Kyrie (2023) by Shunji Iwai
Shunji Iwai creates a very appealing story of three intriguing characters whose dreams, romantic relations, family issues and trauma shape them, bring them together and occasionally set them apart, with the drama being one of the central components of the narrative. The director takes his time to analyze them all, including some peripheral characters, with Fumi, a kindly teacher that supported Luca, having the meatiest role here. This allows for the audience to feel empathy for them, while also making Iwai's comments, mostly revolving around female friendship and the concept of staying true to your dreams no matter the consequences, eloquently presented. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
25. Interview with Ryo Ushimaru and Maya Kudamatsu
How did you get the idea for the project and what attracted you to the characters?
Ryo Ushimaru: “Qualia” is based on a play I saw a while ago in the theater and I was immediately taken with it. I thought the idea of chicken being ruled or controlled by humans was an interesting metaphor for our world in which we are also controlled by many authorities. I liked the message of the story which I wanted to further stress in my adaptation of the play.
26. Film Review: Let's Go Karaoke! (2024) by Nobuhiro Yamashita
On the surface, “Let's Go Karaoke!” teases a promising set-up. The idea of a pitiful yakuza seeking singing lessons from a choir boy to prepare for a gang-related singing contest is funny. Additionally, the feature, like the source material, goes the extra mile and acknowledges that a significantly older man spending time with this underage teen is quite creepy. What forms between them is merely an unlikely friendship. Furthermore, the movie has positive themes surrounding the two vulnerable leads, outsiders trying to overcome their insecurities and push forward. (Sean Barry)
27. Film Review: Lonesome Vacation (2023) by Atsuro Shimoyashiro
If you are into detective stories that have a weird charm to them, “Lonesome Vacation” will certainly have you covered. Although the action plays out like you would expect from the genre, the protagonists have some strange and also entertaining quirks. While having a broad knowledge about many subjects, including geography and history, Furuya is also an apt student of pop culture, with punk and rock being his favorite subjects. He takes some delight in his knowledge of Elvis Presley, as is evident in his haircut reminiscent of the famous entertainer. However, Shimoyashiro and most importantly Takuma Fujie's performance ensure he is not the caricature you might expect, as there is more to him than meets the eye, with his drive to get to the bottom of a case being his most outstanding feature. Furuya is a strong, entertaining leading character and you cannot help but wish the director has more stories with this character in mind. (Rouven Linnarz)
28. Interview with Yoshiyuki Kishi
I read somewhere that “(Ab)normal Desire” is a story for those who need to understand and those who need to be understood. Can you explain this a little further?
For a long time I heard about the term LGBTQ, but I did not really understand what this really meant. As I was reading Asai's novel, I felt like I understood a lot more about LGBTQ. The author once said his novel was meant for people from this community who define a majority of a minority within Japanese society. Even though it seems inclusive from the outside, there are people who do not fit in there and are thus left outside. But we need to understand and accept these people. (Rouven Linnarz)
