JF Theater for September 2018 : Samurai

All films are subtitled in Thai unless specified otherwise
Free admission at the Seminar Room of the Japan Foundation, Bangkok at 18.30 hours.

Friday, September 7, 2018
When the Rain lifts
2000/92 mins.
Directed by Fujii Kasuhiko

With the river in flood after heavy rains, a group of travelers is stranded at a small country inn. Among them are MISAWA Ihei, a poor ronin, or masterless samurai, and his wife, Tayo. Ihei wants to cheer everyone up by arranging for a feast.  But he has no money, and to pay for it. He goes into the local castle town and bets the masters of the fencing dojos there. SHIGEAKI is impressed with Ihei’s skill, offers to make him fencing master to the fief. Ihei is delighted but the fencing masters of the castle town are not. They feel the position should go to one of them.  SHIGEAKI’s advisors learn of Ihei’s prize-fencing, and Ihei is told he is not suitable for the position. Tayo tells SHIGEAKI’s chief retainer that it is more important why a man does something than what that man actually does, and the couple sets out on their journey once again.

Friday, September 14, 2018
Rashomon
1950/88 mins.
Directed by Akira Kurosawa

This story is set in the 10th century. A traveling Buddhist priest and his servant sheltering themselves from the rain under Rashomon Gate are talking about rumors of a samurai’s death. A passing woodcutter tells them what he witnessed, but no one can believe anyone else’s story. A traveling samurai was stabbed to death in the shrubs. Who is quity? No one can judge whose statements are true.

Friday, September 21, 2018
Ballad
2009/132 mins.
Directed by Yamazaki Takashi

Shinichi, Transported back to 1574, His sudden arrival happens, to save the life of IJiri Matabee, a Samurai General Known as “ Demon Ijiri “ and He soon realizes that matabee and Princess Ren, the Daughter of his lord and a childhood friend, are in love with each other. But Princess Ren’s Beauty has become famous throughout the region, and Takatora, afiery-tempered lord of a powerful domain, asks for her hand in marriage. She refuses, touching off a battle between the two domains.

Friday, September 28, 2018
When the last Sword is draw [Mibu gishiden]
2003/138 mins.
Directed by Takita Yojiro

Story of Yoshimura who leaves his samurai clan and becomes a ronin for the Shinsengumi militia to provide for his wife and child. After the battle of Toba-Fushimi, where the Shinsengumi finally collapse, people believe that Yoshimura has been killed in a hail of gunfire.