Japanese Classic Films Hit Korea
By Kim Se-jeong
Staff Reporter
The Japanese Public Information and Cultural Center is screening a series of films by one of Japan's most prominent movie directors, Akira Kurosawa, this month, including the Venice Film Festival and Academy Award- winning piece "Rashomon."
Based on a short story by Ryunosuke Akutagawa published in 1915, it depicts the rape of a woman, who is the apparent murderer of her husband. And four different witnesses tell their own accounts, leaving viewers to determine which, if any, is true.
The audience that turned up has proved the recognition the film has gained internationally.
Among the audience was Japanese Ambassador Toshinori Shigeie. "I think it's because it's Rashomon," said Yano Shinichi, second secretary at the cultural center, in response to the question of whether he is a regular at the film presentation.
The film, made in 1950, was what elevated Akutagawa into the eyes of western movie critics.
A total of 10 works by Akutagawa are being shown during the month of November. "I Live in Fear," "Throne of Blood" and "The Hidden Fortress" are left to be shown.
In December, another 10 films by director Yasujiro Ozu, including "An Autumn Afternoon," "Late Spring," "Early Summer" and "Tokyo Story," will be played.
For detailed schedule for films, visit the Web site: https://www.kr.emb-japan.go.jp/cult/cul―eventList.htm