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If Asia is a galaxy, contemporary Asia is the planet the Far East Film Festival (Feff) of Udine has observed since its first edition in 1999. Now in its 27th year, the festival remains focused on the evolving landscape of Asian cinema. This year’s lineup includes 75 titles from 11 countries: 7 world premieres, 15 international premieres, 20 European premieres, and 19 Italian premieres. The selection spans popular cinema, auteur films, and tributes to the past, offering a deep look at today’s Asia.

Graphic designer Roberto Rosolin captures this perspective in Feff’s official image, reinforcing the festival’s ever-curious gaze.

In 2024, legendary filmmaker Zhang Yimou received the Golden Mulberry for Lifetime Achievement Award at Feff. This year, the honor goes to a queen of Asian cinema: Sylvia Chang—actress, singer, director, screenwriter, producer, and radio DJ. “Icon” may be overused, but few words truly capture her impact. Audiences will be able to celebrate her...

On Tuesday 1 April 2025, ITV broadcasts Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad!

Japan (Tokyo) Season 6 Episode 1 Episode Summary

In the upcoming episode of “Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad,” titled “Japan (Tokyo),” the adventure takes place in the bustling capital of Japan. Bradley and Barney are set to explore the vibrant culture and unique experiences that Tokyo has to offer.

The episode begins with the duo diving into Japan’s national sport, Sumo. Viewers can expect to see Bradley and Barney learn about this fascinating tradition, which is not just a sport but a significant part of Japanese culture. They will likely have some fun moments as they try their hand at Sumo, showcasing their personalities and humor along the way.

Another highlight of the episode is when Bradley faces his fear of heights. The pair will venture onto a hanging bridge that promises to be both thrilling and daunting. This...

In the upcoming episode of “David Blaine Do Not Attempt,” titled “Japan,” viewers can expect an intriguing journey into the heart of Japanese culture. Airing on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 9:53 Pm on National Geographic, this episode promises to showcase the extraordinary dedication of masters who have spent their lives perfecting a single skill.

David Blaine, known for his unique approach to magic and performance, will immerse himself in the rich traditions of Japan. The episode will explore the art of mastery as David meets individuals who have devoted years, even decades, to honing their crafts. From traditional arts to modern skills, the episode highlights the beauty and discipline involved in becoming a true master.

As David interacts with these skilled artisans, the episode will reveal not only their techniques but also the philosophy behind their relentless pursuit of perfection. This exploration of skill and dedication is sure to inspire and captivate,...

The Solo Leveling Season 2 finale fight was an absolute banger! A-1 Pictures truly went beyond its limits with its stunning animation in the fight between Jinwoo and Beru. No wonder it broke so many records and now has more likes on Crunchyroll than any other anime ever.

Sung Jinwoo Sitting on the Roof | Credit: A-1 Pictures

But amidst all the excitement, the anime kind of screwed up on one major aspect in this final arc of Season 2: they literally offscreened Goto Ryuji’s death! If you’re a fan of the Manhwa, you know why his character was super hyped, and the anime’s take on his finale was pretty underwhelming.

Fans had been building up to this moment for so long, and while the Manhwa did the Light Novel justice, the anime just didn’t quite hit the mark. So, what exactly did the anime miss?

The anime...

Right after the broadcast of the final 25th episode of the TV anime Orb: On the Movements of the Earth in Japan on March 16, Japanese rock band Sakanaction released a music video for the anime's opening theme song, “Kaiju” on their official YouTube channel . Yusuka Tanaka , who has worked on six previous music videos for the band, served as director again. It features the band's vocalist and guitarist Ichiro Yamaguchi wandering through a dimly lit passageway while carefully holding an object that appears to be an egg, depicting a world of unique visual beauty and alien tension. The video reached one million views within 16 hours since its release, and it has now over 1.7 million views as of this written. Sakanaction "Kaiju" Music Video Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Creditless Opening Video "Kaiju" released digitally on February 20, ranking number on Oricon's weekly digital single charts in its first week.

When the 51st issue of Weekly Shonen Jump was published in Japan in 1984, few could have predicted how historic it would become. Inside its pages was the very first chapter of Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, a series that would go on to conquer the world and set a new standard for manga and anime storytelling from Japan. While the issue sold millions of copies—typical for Shonen Jump in the 1980s—very few copies of this historic issue have survived in good condition.

Now, a rare copy of Weekly Shonen Jump featuring the first installment of Dragon Ball in near-mint condition has been sold at auction in Japan. While the issue originally retailed for a mere 170 yen (approximately $1.15) when first published, the final auction price reached a head-spinning 3.8 million yen. Could this sale signal a rise in Japan’s collectible manga market?

Japan’s Collectible Manga Market: A Growing Trend?...

This article discusses some sensitive issues. Reader discretion is advised.

There are over 1,000 episodes of the original Pokémon series anime, each perfectly tailored for a child or teen audience. But there are a few episodes, known as the "Banned Pokémon Episodes" that never saw the light of day. For many reasons, these episodes of the animated series were pulled from airing in a specific country.

Some banned episodes have little impact on a series' plot or characters, while others do. While certain episodes are banned internationally, including in the English and Japanese dubs, others face temporary postponements. This guide explores each case and the reasons behind their bans in different regions.

This Banned Pokémon Episode Coined The Term "Pokémon Shock" In Japan Pokémon Episode 38, "Electric Soldier Porygon" Was Banned Internationally

The most infamous banned episode is the 38th episode of the Pokemon animated series, which involved a large Porygon. This...

Wicked Box Office: Set To Release In Japan(Photo Credit – Instagram)

Oscar-winning musical fantasy Wicked is still running at the box office and is set to be released in Japan. The movie will potentially see a boost in box office performance after its Oscar wins, and it might even help the film earn record numbers in Japan. There is a chance it might surpass the worldwide haul of Keanu Reeves’s starrer The Matrix Reloaded. Scroll below for the deets.

The movie was released around Thanksgiving and registered several box office records. It was directed by Jon M Chu, adapting the first act of the 2003 stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman. The film featured Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. Made on a budget of $150 million, it is the fifth highest-grossing film of last year.

For the uninitiated,...

A popular magazine in Japan recently announced the results of the bi-annual "National Treasure Level-Handsome Men" survey. Takeo Otsuka, who voices Aquamarine from Oshi no Ko and Jinshi from The Apothecary Diaries, has officially earned the title of Japan's most handsome voice actor for the latter half of 2024.

Per Oricon, the aforementioned magazine is ViVi, a monthly fashion magazine with a target demographic of women aged 17-27. Sitting at the top of ViVi's Top 10 "most handsome men" rankings is Otsuka, who narrowly defeated Nobuhiko Okomoto, best known for his role as Katsuki Bakugo from My Hero Academia. The third-place winner is Nobunaga Shimazaki, the star of CloverWorks' popular martial arts-focused drama, Wind Breaker. The full list of winners, ranked from most to least popular, are listed below.

Related "If She Were Still Alive": Oshi no Ko Creator Reveals Ai Hoshino's Would-Be Future Career

A major fashion magazine reveals a...

A new manga prequel story featuring Shadow the Hedgehog is expected to release just in time for Sonic the Hedgehog 3's long-awaited launch. With only a couple of weeks remaining in 2024, all eyes are fixed on Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Following the success of the two films that came before it, fans are gearing up for the ultimate confrontation between Sonic and Shadow, especially with Keanu Reeves set to voice the latter. Now, with only a few days left until its release, a new manga featuring the pair is preparing to release in select regions.

According to Manga Mogura Re (Anime & Manga News) on X, Paramount Pictures and Sega of America are giving out a brand-new manga starring Sonic and Shadow that serves as a prequel to the highly anticipated film. Titled Sonic x Shadow Tokyo Mission - Episode 0, the cover features the titular hedgehogs closing in on each...

Today, November 22 (in Japan), the opening day of the second chapter's theatrical screenings, the official website for the Space Battleship Yamato remake anime series released a teaser trailer for "Gunjou no Asteroid" (literally means "Asteroid of the Ultramarine Blue), the third chapter of its latest installment, Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 . The clip confirms that the third of the new seven-chapter series (consisting of 26 episodes) will start its theatrical screenings in Japan on April 11, 2025 . And the visual is newly-drawn by Kia Asamiya ( Silent Möbius ), who has served as the image drawing artist for the series. Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 Chapter 3 Teaser Trailer Teaser visual Related : Be Forever Yamato Rebel 3199 Casts Megumi Han in Voice Actor Mother's Classic Role Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 is based on the feature film Be Forever Yamato ( Yamato yo Towa ni in Japan) in 1980, and also includes some elements from the third original...

Netflix is teaming with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment for an untitled series that will mark his son Aryan Khan’s directorial debut. The series was unveiled at the streamer’s International Showcase on Monday.

“Set against the backdrop of the film industry, this multi-genre project promises an audacious, unabashed, entertaining ride through the adventures of a charming, ambitious outsider navigating the glitzy yet tricky world of Bollywood,” according to a description provided by Netflix. “The series blends a high-stakes narrative with self-aware humor, featuring blockbuster cameos and larger-than-life characters for an unforgettable, tongue-in-cheek take on Indian cinema.”

“We are excited to present this new series with Netflix that offers a refreshing look into the glamorous cinematic world and what it takes to succeed as an outsider,” said Shah Rukh Khan. “It’s a unique narrative brought to life by Aryan, many passionate minds and the team at Red Chillies Entertainment.

James Cameron's Avatar has an uncanny resemblance to Edward Zwicks 2003 film, The Last Samurai. Although Avatar has elements that distinguish it from other movies, it's difficult to deny that it is thematically and narratively similar to The Last Samurai. The fact that Avatar is the highest-grossing movie of all time is a testament to how its world-building and visual effects make it a groundbreaking film. However, it's clear to see that Avatar utilizes several tropes that have been seen in other projects including The Last Samurai.

Given Avatar's similarities to The Last Samurai, it was only a matter of time before Cameron was accused of copying the film. Cameron has denied these accusations and claims to have had the idea for Avatar long before the release of the movies he is said to have copied (via Insider). It is worth noting that The Last Samurai isn't the only...

In Fukasaku Kinji’s Sympathy for the Underdog, Tsuruta Kôji’s Gunji walks out of prison after a long sentence and immediately sets out to reclaim turf for his yakuza clan. While Fukasaku’s Japan Organized Crime Boss, from 1969, starts off in similar fashion, with Tsurata’s Tsukamoto receiving a hero’s welcome following his stay in prison, the man looks to keep the peace amid an ever-expanding proxy war between yakuza gangs throughout Japan. He’s principled and, at least in relation to the traditional yakuza code, fiercely honorable, holding true to his word and remaining content for his clan, the Hamanaka Family, to hold on to their territory.

Of course, because the shifting tides of political and social forces in post-war Japan—due in large part to the nation’s wide-scale embracing of Western values and capitalism—are in full force, consolidation and expansion, by any means necessary,...

IShowSpeed was put on planet Earth to entertain and he does that perfectly. Being a through-and-through entertainer, what the high-energy YouTuber is doing with his content is something we haven’t seen before. From insane reactions to chaotic live streams, IShowSpeed has proven time and again that he’s taking the field of content creation to the next level.

IShowSpeed in Shake Mv | Credits: IShowSpeed / YouTube

Whether it’s jumping over cars or sprinting against the fastest man in the world, you never know what Speed will bring to the table next. Speaking of the latter, Speed lost a 50m race worth $100K against Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles. Still, fans praised the YouTuber, and commended him for delivering a neck-to-neck competition. However, there are others who believe that Noah Lyles was simply not giving his best.

IShowSpeed Almost Won a Race Against Noah Lyles Noah Lyles defeats IShowSpeed in...

On Wednesday 6 November 2024, Channel 5 broadcasts Reu & Harper’s Wonder World!

Japan Season 2 Episode 13 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Reu & Harper’s Wonder World” titled “Japan” promises an exciting adventure for the young hosts and their friends. Airing soon on Channel 5, this episode will take viewers on a colorful journey to explore the rich culture and traditions of Japan.

In this episode, Reika and Taiga invite Reu and Harper for a special playdate. The children will learn all about Japan, the home country of Reika and Taiga’s mummy. This episode offers a wonderful opportunity for everyone to discover the sights, sounds, and tastes of Japan.

Viewers can expect fun activities that showcase Japanese culture, including traditional games, art, and maybe even some delicious food. The excitement of learning about another country through play will surely engage young minds and spark curiosity about the world beyond their own.

“Japan...

The official website and accounts for the ongoing Blue Lock 2nd Season TV anime released a new key visual and promo videos for the upcoming Blue Lock Eleven versus U-20 Japan match, set to begin with Episode 30 on November 9. New voice cast members for the U-20 Japan team was also announced . Blue Lock 2nd Season Blue Lock Eleven Roster Video Blue Lock 2nd Season U-20 Japan Roster Video The new cast members for the U-20 Japan team announced include: Kento Chou voiced by Jun Kasama (Hisashi Mitsui in The First Slam Dunk ) Teru Kitsunezato voiced by Gakuto Kajiwara (Asta in Black Clover ) Itsuki Wakatsuki voiced by Taito Ban (Sung Jinwoo in Solo Leveling ) Haru Hayate voiced by Kensho Ono (Giorno Giovanna in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Golden Wind ) Miroku Darai voiced by Yusuke Shirai (Shumei Sasaki in Sasaki and Miyano ) Kazuma Niou voiced by Takuya Sato (Toshiki Kai in Cardfight!! Vanguard...

Dragon Ball Daima's first three episodes have wowed fans and critics alike, with many people praising the series for taking Dragon Ball back to its roots by reintroducing the comedic and fantasy-influenced elements that vanished from the franchise in its later years. It has also shown that taking Goku and his friends out of their comfort zones and dropping them in a new location can have great results. Because of this, if the writers are stuck for ideas after Goku's Demon Realm adventure, they should take inspiration from an overlooked Dragon Ball TV special and send Goku back in time for his next major adventure.

In 1987, the Japanese television network Fuji TV ran a special extended broadcast to celebrate its 30th year on the air. This broadcast did so well that it would become a tradition, with the station producing a new special broadcast each year at around the same time.

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 11:00 Pm, Axs TV will showcase “New Japan Pro Wrestling,” promising an hour filled with thrilling action and incredible athleticism. This show highlights the finest matches featuring some of the top wrestlers in the world. Fans can expect to see the likes of Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito, and Jay White, all of whom have made a significant impact in the wrestling scene.

Kazuchika Okada, known for his impressive skills and charisma, will likely bring his signature style to the ring. Hiroshi Tanahashi, often called the “Ace,” is known for his resilience and ability to capture the crowd’s attention. Tetsuya Naito, with his unique persona and in-ring talent, adds an exciting dynamic to the matches. Jay White, a rising star, has proven himself as a fierce competitor, ready to challenge the best.

This episode of “New Japan Pro Wrestling” promises to deliver high-stakes encounters and unforgettable moments.

In the upcoming episode of “Reu & Harper’s Wonder World,” titled “Japan,” excitement is in the air as Reika and Taiga invite Reu and Harper for a special playdate. This episode, airing on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 9:25 Am on Channel 5, promises to be a delightful journey into the rich culture of Japan.

Viewers will get a chance to explore the vibrant traditions and customs that Reika and Taiga hold dear. The episode will showcase fun activities that highlight Japanese food, games, and art. Reu and Harper will learn about the beautiful landscapes of Japan and the significance of various holidays celebrated there.

As the children play and interact, they will also share stories about their experiences living in Japan. This episode aims to foster curiosity and appreciation for different cultures while providing a fun and engaging environment for everyone. “Japan” is set to be an entertaining and educational experience...

Makoto Shinkai fans based in the U.S. have something to look forward to next month, as on Nov. 7, the Japan Information & Culture Center (Jicc) at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. will host a free screening of the anime hit Suzume. The enchanting 2022 film, celebrated for its breathtaking visuals and inspired door-to-another-world story, will be presented free to the public, with limited first-come, first-served seating.

Suzume, directed by Makoto Shinkai follows the extraordinary journey of its titular character, a teenager from a quiet town in Kyushu, whose world takes a supernatural turn after she encounters the mysterious Souta, whose abilities open her up to new realities. Together, the unlikely pair adventure across Japan, taking on dark forces along the way. Shinkais signature animation style shines in the film, with visually stunning landscapes and magical set pieces to delight anime stalwarts and casual viewers alike.

Related A...

Discover the amusing interpretation of the "I Want It That Way" song on Tokyo Vice season 1, episode 4. Uncover the real meaning behind the confusing lyrics of "I Want It That Way" by the Backstreet Boys. Explore the cultural differences highlighted in Tokyo Vice, showcasing language barriers and societal archetypes.

Tokyo Vice season 1, episode 4 has amusingly shed some light on the "I Want It That Way" meaning. Tokyo Vice stars Ansel Elgort as Jake Adelstein, an American reporter in Japan in the late '90s. Adelstein works for the largest newspaper in the world and gets pulled into the underworld of the Yakuza during his investigations. Loosely based on the memoir Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan by the real Adelstein, the show co-stars Ken Watanabe, Rachel Keller, Rinko Kikuchi, Shô Kasamatsu, Ella Rumpf, Shun Sugata, and Ayumi Tanida.

Tokyo Vice dives into the cultural differences...

Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine Franchise At Worldwide Box Office (Photo Credit – IMDb)

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine is one of the most epic film castings ever. The actor has appeared in multiple movies in that role and is now ready to make a comeback with Deadpool & Wolverine. Besides the X-Men movies, Hugh got his own franchise, and we have brought you the ranking of his Wolverine movies at the worldwide box office.

Hugh appeared in the role for the first time in 2000 with the movie X-Men. It was directed by Bryan Singer. The character of Logan was created by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and John Romita Sr. Logan is a mutant with enhanced physical capabilities, powerful regenerative ability, and retractable claws in each hand.

Hugh Jackman’s return in Deadpool & Wolverine was announced way back, increasing everyone’s excitement for the upcoming film. He has appeared in three stand-alone Wolverine movies,...

Even though "Godzilla Minus One" has ended its record-breaking theatrical run in North America, the film's legacy will undoubtedly endure well beyond the silver screen. To that end, the folks at Mondo have announced the release of a brand new poster based on director Takashi Yamazaki's widely acclaimed monster movie, and it's very much deserving of some wall space for fans of the King of the Monsters.

The poster was cooked up by illustrator Tony Stella and captures this new, terrifying incarnation of Godzilla in all of his powerful, destructive glory. The image was inspired by the film's epic attack in Japan when the monster lays waste to the country just after it had begun picking up the pieces in the aftermath of World War II. Stella uses a hand-painted style that adds a lot of character to the poster while staying very true to what Yamazaki cooked up.

The official YouTube channel for the Oshi no Ko TV anime began streaming a cover performance video of the anime's opening theme song, " Idol ," by voice actor Rie Takahashi. In the anime series, Takahashi plays Ai Hoshino, a popular and charismatic pop idol. She also previously performed the song live on the stage of the "TV anime Oshi no Ko Special Event Ichigo Productions☆Fan Appreciation Festival 2023" held on November 26, 2023. Rie Takahashi "Idol" cover performance video Takahashi wrote on Twitter , "Once again, thank you to everyone who viewed the cover performance video...! A few minutes packed with enthusiasm and commitment from all sides. I was able to be a part of the project with all of them, putting all my love into the performance. I hope you will enjoy it in your own way!" "Idol" was originally released as the two-member unit Yoasobi 's 19th digital single song on April...

Studio Ghibli veteran Shigeo Akahori has highlighted some solutions to the many issues plaguing the anime industry -- most notably, the large divide between management and field animators.

Akahori highlighted this divide in his interview with Gamebiz, where he added that in his 40 years as an animator, he'd never even seen the overall budget breakdown that went into an anime. He said newer animators are tepid, weaker at negotiation and lack the force of personality of the previous generation. The upper brass needs to negotiate with those at the bottom and allow staff to reap rewards from copyright and licensing. On the creative side, he added that in the early days of TV animation, talented creators "were able to freely use their ingenuity, resulting in many masterpieces, and seeing this, even more talented people entered the anime industry." However, nowadays, "it is important for manga originals to be faithful to the original work,...

Peach Momoko's Ultimate X-Men series is a unique reinvention of the classic X-Men story, focusing on new Japanese heroes Armor and Maystorm as they navigate being young mutants in Japan. The series will have a distinct Japanese perspective, which sets it apart from previous X-Men stories. Momoko's creative freedom and independence in telling the story was emphasized, with Marvel allowing her to choose a new roster of X-Men and go wild with her vision for the series.

Editors Note: Peach Momoko’s answers were translated from Japanese with the help of her husband and manager, Yo Mutsu, and have been lightly edited with permission for clarity.

In a new interview with Screen Rant, the talented artist and writer Peach Momoko - the brilliant mind behind Marvel's acclaimed Demon Days - reveals that her upcoming Ultimate X-Men series was first pitched to her as "What If X-Men... But in Japan?...

Wim Wenders, the director of Perfect Days and Anselm with Anne-Katrin Titze on the connection between Hirayama, played by the extraordinary Kôji Yakusho and Anselm Kiefer: “They both love nature.”

In the first instalment with Wim Wenders, the day after he presented Paris, Texas at the Wim Wenders: An American Cinematheque Retrospective in Los Angeles, we discuss the connection between his Oscar shortlisted entry from Japan, Perfect Days, and Anselm (Anselm - Das Rauschen der Zeit), his documentary in 3D on Anselm Kiefer, both shot by Franz Lustig.

Wim Wenders on Hirayama (Kôji Yakusho): “He only reads one book and when he’s finished he puts it on his shelf …” Photo: Master Mind Ltd.

We start out by remembering the conversation I had with Wim at the reception for his 2003 Pictures From The Surface of the Earth photograph exhibition at the James Cohan gallery in New York, where...

The Heike Story anime is a great way for anime fans to learn about the Genpei War and Feudal Japan, known as one of the most significant conflicts in Japanese history. The anime adaptation abridges the original epic poem to make it more accessible, focusing on key plot points and character interactions. Although sacrificing some details, The Heike Story provides a fantastic overview of the period and brings one of Japan's important literary works to a wider audience.

The anime series The Heike Story is the perfect place to start for anime fans interested in learning more about the history of Feudal Japan. In the original Japanese, the anime and the poem it adapts are known as Heike Monogatari, based on an alternate reading of the kanji for the name of the Taira clan, whose rise and fall the story chronicles.

As narrated in the 14th-century epic poem known as The Tale of the Heike,...

Organised by the Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals, and supported by Create HongKong and the Film Development Fund, the Asian Film Awards Academy (Academy or Afaa) has spearheaded efforts to promote Asian cinema around the world year-round. As part of the Asian Film Awards (Afa), its flagship event and the largest celebration of Asian cinema in the world, the Academy appoints an emerging Asian star every year as Youth Ambassador to act as the face of the awards and to take part in outreach activities. For the first time in its history, the Academy has appointed not one, but four celebrated Asian stars as the Youth Ambassadors of the 17th Afa: (in alphabetical order) Liu Kuan-Ting, Mario Maurer, Miyazawa Hio and Will Or.

Embodying numerous countries and cultures, Asia is a region that is rich in diversity, and that diversity has always been reflected in its films,...

Shortlists announced in 10 categories for 96th Academy Awards.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced shortlists in 10 categories for the 96th Academy Awards, with The Taste Of Things (France), The Zone Of Interest (UK), Fallen Leaves (Finland), The Mother Of All Lies (Morocco), and Totem (Mexico) among those to make the cut in the international feature film category.

Shortlists were also announced for documentary feature, documentary short film, makeup and hairstyling, music (original score), music (original song), animated short film, live action short film, sound and visual effects.

More to follow…

Documentary Feature Film

Fifteen films will...

‘The Hunger Games’ prequel, ‘Saltburn’ continue to play well after five weekends.

Rank Film (distributor) Three-day gross (Dec 15-17) Total gross to date Week 1. Wonka (Warner Bros) £6.4m £18.5m 2 2. Godzilla Minus One (All The Anime) £785,532 £816,891 1 3. The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes (Lionsgate) £612,529 £15.9m 5 4. Wish (Disney) £587,429 £6.6m 4 5. Napoleon (Sony) £499,028 £12.5m 4

Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.27

Wonka starring Timothee Chalamet posted a strong hold on its second weekend at the UK-Ireland box office, falling just 28.5% with a further £6.4m.

Paul King’s chocolatier prequel is now up to £18.5m from just two sessions for Warner Bros, sitting just outside...

Shortlist of 15 films to be announced December 21, nominations out on January 23, 2024.

The Academy has announced eligible features in the categories of international feature film, animation, and documentary for the 96th Academy Awards on March 10, 2024.

The shortlist of 15 films will be announced on December 21, and the nominations announcement is January 23, 2024.

International

Eighty-eight countries or regions have submitted films eligible for consideration in the international feature film category. An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (more than 40 minutes long) produced outside the US with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track. Namibia is a first-time entrant.

Academy members...

It’s Monday so you know what that means, it’s time for our weekly review of Aew: Rampage! This week’s show was broadcast from the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia and featured Excalibur, Paul Wight and Tony Schiavone on commentary. Now let’s get to the review…

Match #1: Penta El Zero Miedo def. El Hijo del Vikingo and Komander The following is courtesy of allelitewrestling.com:

Penta hit the Made in Japan on Vikingo, but Komander broke up the pin attempt. Vikingo flew out of the ring with a tope suicida crashing into Komander. Penta served up sling blades to Komander and El Hijo del Vikingo. Vikingo connected with a phoenix splash onto Komander for a near fall. Penta ran in with a foot stomp to Vikingo. Penta El Zero Miedo flipped over the top rope and wiped out Vikingo and Komander. The Qtv crew were watching the match on a monitor backstage.

Indian star Karthik Sivakumar, known by his screen name Karthi, is bullish about upcoming release “Japan,” his 25th film.

The film is due to release in November during the Deepavali holiday frame in Tamil, Telugu and a few other languages. “It’s a crime thriller, it’s got a manhunt to it. But apart from that, the writing and characters in the film are so well-rooted, and at the same time, it’s got a lot of flamboyance – it’s a very unique combination,” Karthi told Variety.

The film, from prolific south Indian studio Dream Warrior Pictures, is directed by Raju Murugan. “Being so grounded and yet having the flamboyance and the cockiness of this character is what got me hooked to the project, and the keenness to work with Raju Murugan – I’ve liked his earlier two films ‘Cuckoo’ and ‘Joker’ and his understanding of local community, the culture here,...

The New Currents and Jiseok selections include features from Japan, China, South Korea and Bangladesh among others.

The 28th Busan International Film Festival has revealed the titles selected for its New Currents and Jiseok strands, the festival’s competitive sections for Asian films.

Scroll down for full list

New Currents is for films by directors making their first or second works of fiction and comprises 10 titles from Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, India and Bangladesh.

They include September 1923, which marks the fiction feature debut of Japanese director Tatsuya Mori and centres on the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923. Mori is known as a documentary filmmaker,...

“Barbie is really important for us,” beamed Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav on the conglom’s Q2 earnings call about what will be the first pic to hit $1 billion under his reign.

In celebrating the pic’s success, he indicated that the movie would hit streaming service Max in the fall.

However, on a long theatrical window.

“We really believe in the motion picture window — let it play out … go into PVOD, take it through the windows that have worked forever [in the business],” he said. “When it goes on Max, it will have a good impact in the fall.”

Separately, Deadline has noticed that Barbie will hit airlines this September.

Related: 2023 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming

Zaslav since taking charge of Warner Bros Discovery has championed the theatrical window passionately, unlike the former Warner Bros Media administration that upset the town with their theatrical-day-and-date experiment on HBO Max during Covid.

We are living with a generation that is increasingly obsessed with multiverses and the fluid concept of time, so it was only genius for Kazuaki Kiriya to hop on the bandwagon and deliver his rumored ‘final piece of work', set in Japan of the near future. Working with concepts along the veins of his previous apocalyptic “Casshern (2004)”, the director known for his outlandish ideas, takes us on a time-bending journey of samurais, nuclear attacks, and magical grimoires.

From the End of the World is screening at Japan Cuts

As the great expanse of earth gives way to a bleak forest fire, a child suddenly appears and finds herself in the fray of death and destruction in Edo Japan. Everything is a picture of charcoal-blackness but the blood that flows around her is a sea of striking red (expertly manipulated by cinematographer Chigi Kanbe). Color then returns as the picture transitions to the modern world.

The passing of Ryuichi Sakamoto in March 2023 marked a sad and significant loss for the world of music. Debuting with his experimental solo EP Thousand Knives (1978) at the age of twenty-six, Sakamoto would go on to have a 45-year-long career as a musician, producing countless solo albums and film scores, as well as music with the Japanese electropop band Yellow Magic Orchestra. Tracing his blossoming career in the mid-1980s was French photographer Elizabeth Lennard, who directed the made-for-tv documentary “Tokyo Melody: un film sur Ryuichi Sakamoto” (1985). The film presents an economically prosperous Tokyo, along with an intimate portrait of Sakamoto as he works on his then-upcoming solo album, Ongaku Zukan (1984).

Tokyo Melody is screening at Japan Cuts

As far as documentaries go, “Tokyo Melody” is distinctly hands-off. We're introduced to Sakamoto as he fiddles with what is presumably a new piece of recording equipment in the park, although the...

Intense dramas and heart-pumping action thrillers can be enticing, but occasionally, it feels good to turn on something calmer. Comfort shows can relieve stress, since they generally offer engaging visuals, friendly characters, and low-stakes conflicts. In particular, Netflix has many feel-good series that are an excellent cure for even the worst days.

While some of Netflix's mellower shows are nostalgic comedies like Seinfeld, others, such as Blown Away, explore relaxing crafts in a real-world setting. Whether fans choose to watch something fictitious or realistic, Netflix has the perfect concoction of comfort shows to help anyone unwind.

Related: 10 Best Feel-Good TV Shows Of All Time

Seinfeld

Not every enjoyable TV experience needs to feel brand new. Seinfeld is the perfect detour down memory lane. With all nine seasons available on Netflix, this iconic sitcom was one of the best-binge-worthy comfort shows out there. Although this outrageous comedy could be hectic at times,...

In an attempt to leave Tokyo for an undisclosed location, 26-year-old salaryman Kanzaki (Kazuaki Nomura) solicits the help of a petty thief (Kono) to drive him in exchange for ¥1 million in cash. A minimalist road movie with grim undertones, “J005311” marks the directorial debut of actor-turned-director Hiroki Kono.

J005311 is screening at Japan Cuts

In the absence of dialogue, moments can linger to create a sense of atmosphere, whether it be a moment to pause and contemplate the inner workings of a protagonist or build suspense for a moment that is about to come. Yet, Hiroki Kono takes this space and amps it to a perverse uncomfortableness with characters who barely speak or give a reason for their actions. Instead, the viewer becomes an observer of a stranger on a unique mission with no context of the reasoning behind it. It is a bold move that is as experimental in...

Produced by Toei Animation and Dandelion Animation Studio, the “First Slam Dunk”, based on the manga series by Takehiko Inoue who also functions as the director here, was another crowning success in the box office not only of Japan, but also of the neighboring Asian countries. As such, the movie became the fifth highest-grossing anime of all time in Japan, the second in S. Korea (and the second highest grossing film overall this year so far) while it also broke a number of records in the Chinese box office. Lastly, it was awarded the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year at the 46th Japan Academy Film Prize in 2023.

The First Slam Dunk is screening at Japan Cuts

Despite its title, the movie actually adapts the last chapter of the manga, which has the underdogs of Shohoku high school basketball team facing the reigning champions Sanno, which feature a...

Karthi, the versatile actor who has impressed the audience with his varied roles and genres, is all set to collaborate with director Prem Kumar for his next film. Prem Kumar is the acclaimed filmmaker who made the cult classic 96, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha. The film, which is tentatively titled Karthi 27, is said to be a family drama with emotional elements.

According to sources, Karthi will share screen space with Arvind Swamy, who will play an important character in the film. Arvind Swamy is one of the most popular and talented actors in the industry, who has worked in films like Roja, Bombay, Thani Oruvan, and Bogan. The film will mark the first time that Karthi and Arvind Swamy will work together.

96 Trailer

The film is produced by Karthi’s brother Suriya under his banner 2D Entertainment. Suriya is also a renowned actor and producer, who has delivered some blockbuster films like Singam,...

In two weeks, the best in new Japanese cinema will descend upon New York City with the 16th edition of Japan Cuts. Taking place from July 26 through August 6 at Japan Society, this year’s impressive lineup features nearly 30 films along with special tribute to the legendary, late Ryuichi Sakamoto. In anticipation of the festival’s launch, we’re delighted to present the exclusive trailer and poster debut.

“Japan Cuts is back in-person!” says Peter Tatara, Director of Film at Japan Society, who organized this year’s festival with Japan Society Film Programmer Alexander Fee. “Japan Cuts is one of Japan Society’s most popular events and beloved in New York’s cinema scene. After a pause during the pandemic, we couldn’t be more proud for Japan Cuts to return with two weeks of exciting, thought-provoking and tear-jerking films. We’re honored to share a captivating slice of Japan’s cinematic world with New York!

Celine Song’s Past Lives from A24 is very much here and now, grossing $232k on four screens for over $58k per location, a nice number for Song’s debut film as the second-biggest limited opening of the year so far. A24 also had the highest in April with Beau Is Afraid at $80k per theater at four locations, testament to helmer Ari Aster’s devoted fan base.

Song’s love story was a Sundance favorite and is high scoring (96% Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh with critics; 92 Metacritic Must-See). The distributor says 18 shows were sold out among the four opening theaters through Saturday amid strong exit polls. The film starring Greta Lee and Teo Yoo as childhood friends who reuinte will roll out into top markets over the next few weeks ahead of a nationwide expansion on June 3.

Event cinema: Fathom Events’ Suga / Agust D Tour ‘D-day’ in Japan: Live...

Event Outline

The Osaka Asian Film Festival aims to facilitate human resources development and exchange, to invigorate the Osaka economy, and to increase the city’s appeal, through providing opportunities to watch excellent Asian films, supporting filmmaking in Osaka and attracting filmmakers from Asian countries and regions to Osaka. Promoting Osaka worldwide as a gateway city for Asian films, and engaging with many people from the fields of culture, art, education, tourism and business, from Osaka and all of Asia, Oaff works as an open platform to contribute to the development of Osaka and cinema.

Marking its 18th edition this year, Oaff, under programming director Teruoka Sozo, will again select high-quality Asian films. The Competition section, which receives increased recognition every year, will again select films previously unreleased in Japan. The regular sections, Special Screenings and Indie Forum, and other special programs will also feature a wide variety of excellent Asian films.