CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.
Interview: Huo Meng of ‘Crossing the Border’ at Asian Pop-Up Cinema, Plus Japan Week Preview
MELANCHOLIC (Japan) – Kazuhiko isn’t enjoying his life, despite earning his degree from a top university. He runs into a high school friend at a bathhouse, and through that connection begins to work there. He eventually discovers that this bathhouse is being used for nefarious after-hours activities, which is bad enough, but then Kazuhiko finds that his colleague Matsumoto is an assassin. Critic notes: “‘Melancholic’ is darkly funny, viscerally thrilling and improbably heartwarming, all without departing far from the stark immediacy of its opening scenes.” Director Seiji Tanaka and producer/actor Yoji Minagawa will appear on behalf of the film. For details and tickets, click here. Wednesday, September 25th, 8pm at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 North State Street, Chicago.
APUC Season Nine Japan Week Features ‘Melancholic’
Photo credit: AsianPopUpCinema.org
CAN’T STOP THE DANCING (Japan) – Suzuki Shizuka is an office lady at a large corporation who is treated by a hypnotist and left under the spell. Thereafter she cannot help but sing and dance whenever she hears any song or melody situationn. She tries to go back to the hypnotist for relief, but he is nowhere to be found. “A funny, fast-paced and deliriously joyful update of classic musicals featuring a delightful lead performance from Ayaka Miyoshi.” For details and tickets, click here. Thursday, September 26th, 7pm at AMC River East 21, 322 East Illinois Street, Chicago.
BENTO HARASSMENT (Japan) – Kaori is a single mother, raising her high school-age daughter Futaba. The daughter is in her rebellious phase and is simply ignoring the mother. Kaori decides to take measures to communicate with Futaba and also get some “revenge” … she begins to leave messages in her daughter’s bento meals. “Based on a real-life blog by a real-life Kaori, that rose to number one on the Ameba hosting site, the opening scenes of ‘Bento Harassment’ offer fresh twists on the perennial theme of inter-generational strife as well as on familiar foodie movie tropes.” For details and tickets, click here. Friday, September 27th, 7pm at the Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 West Menomonee Street, Chicago.
By PATRICK McDONALD |