Retrospective of Nobuhiko Obayashi’s Coming-of-Age Films Hits New York

The renowned Japanese filmmaker Nobuhiko Obayashi (1938-2020) captivated global cinema with his 1997 groundbreaking work, House. Known for its campy, cult-like horror elements, the movie served as a showcase for Obayashi’s unique artistic style, filled with imaginative otherworldly scenes, vibrant pop-art flair and biting surrealism. Although the film propelled him to stardom, the extent of his diverse body of work beyond Japan has sometimes been overshadowed by its immense impact.

Currently, Obayashi’s Teenage Symphonies are blooming in the Obayashi ’80s, a film series being hosted by the Japan Society in New York from February 7 to February 14, 2025. This series showcases six rarely-seen films outside of Japan, offering fans a glimpse into the Onomichi Trilogy as well as Kadokawa-era classics, stirring memories of a bygone era that seems tantalizingly close yet remains slightly out of reach.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share some fascinating picks from our collection! One of them is the captivating 35mm import, “I Am You, You Are Me,” a unique coming-of-age, body-swap tale that truly resonates. We also have “His Motorbike, Her Island,” an emotionally charged melodrama revolving around a passionate biker gang. For those who love the fantastical, School in the Crosshairs offers a cosmic, gonzo journey. Lastly, Lonely Heart, a personal favorite of Akira Kurosawa, is not to be missed!

As a gamer, I’ve always been captivated by Obayashi’s youth passages – the way he seamlessly blends wildly creative visual effects and an infectious optimism for Japan’s young generation. These stories are set against the backdrop of transitioning eras, subtly echoing the extraordinary essence of everyday adolescence.

Head to the Japan Society’s website for more information on the full lineup.

Japan Society
333 E 47th St,
New York, NY 10017

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2025-02-08 01:26