Like Asura

2003 | Japan | Colour | 135 min | In Japanese with English and Traditional Chinese Subtitles

Like Asura, adapted from a script by the renowned author Kuniko Mukoda, delves into the lives of four sisters whose world is turned upside down when their taciturn father, Takezawa, is revealed to have been carrying on an affair, even fathering a son outside of his marriage. Originally a television drama in the late 1970s, it has evolved into a novel, film, and stage play, becoming a landmark of female narrative in Japanese storytelling. The affair shocks the sisters, prompting concerns for their mother’s emotional well-being  while unearthing long-buried family secrets. The eldest sister, Tsuneko, struggles with her relationship with a married man; Junko fears confronting her husband's infidelity; Takiko grapples with her unresolved issues; and the youngest sister, Sakiko, secretly lives with a mysterious boxer. Ultimately, their mother also has her own ways of coping with betrayal.

Like Asura features an ensemble cast that includes prominent actresses like Shinobu Otake, Hitomi Kuroki, Eri Fukatsu, and Kyoko Fukada, alongside veteran actors Tatsuya Nakadai and Kaoru Yachigusa, as well as the young star Masami Nagasawa. Morita's skillful cinematography, combined with sophisticated set designs, costumes, and rich visual elements, transforms this poignant family drama into a nostalgic journey through the Showa era, capturing the complexities of love, betrayal, and resilience against the backdrop of Japan’s economic development.

Scenic Portraits of Family: A Selection of Works by Yoshimitsu Morita
As one of the pioneering figures of Japanese cinema in the 1980s, Yoshimitsu Morita (1950-2011) left an indelible mark on the film landscape with his distinctive style and techniques. His works, from stark modern portrayals to tender emotional explorations, still resonate profoundly today. Among his many talents, Morita’s remarkable ability to adapt literary works showcases his skill in bridging different eras, creating vivid landscapes through the interplay of text and film. The program, Scenic Portraits of Family: A Selection of Works by Yoshimitsu Morita, invites audiences to revisit the expressive cinematic universe of Morita through a curated selection of four films that focus on the theme of family. Each of these films, adapted from literature, presents diverse narratives that reflect the complexities of familial relationships and the human experience.

Born in Tokyo in 1950, Morita began his journey in film during his high school and university years, where he published film critiques and created 8mm films. His debut feature, Something Like It (1981), garnered critical acclaim, winning Best Film and Best New Director at the Yokohama Film Festival. The pinnacle of his early career was marked by The Family Game (1983), followed by notable works such as Deaths in Tokimeki (1984) and Main Theme (1984). His adaptation of Natsume Soseki’s And Then (1985) opened the door to literary adaptations, while Paradise Lost (1997), based on Jun'ichi Watanabe's novel, caused a sensation and sparked widespread social discussion. Morita continued to create acclaimed films, including The Black House (1999), Copycat Killer (2002), Like Asura (2003), and The Mamiya Brothers (2006). Unfortunately, Yoshimitsu Morita passed away in Tokyo in 2011 at the age of 61 due to liver failure, leaving behind a rich legacy of cinematic artistry.

Honkaz Fung (Curator)

Date and time
(1) 24 Nov, 2024 (Sun) 16:00
(2) 1 Dec, 2024 (Sun) 16:00 Ticket price
Regular: HK$95, MCL MAX Members: HK$85, Children / Full-time students / Elderly: HK$75

Ticketing

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E-mail: infojp@hn.mofa.go.jp