JQ Magazine: Nippon in New York – JAPAN CUTS, ‘JUJUTSU KAISEN,’ ‘Jamie Allan’s Amaze’
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02). Justin has written about Japanese arts and entertainment for JETAA since 2005. For more of his articles, click here.
After the outdoor fireworks, enjoy some summer events in the cool indoors, whether it’s taking in North America’s largest annual Japanese film festival, checking out a Kurosawa or Studio Ghibli classic, or enjoying a musical, Pokémon-style!
This month’s highlights include:
Jeremy Daniel and Matthew Murphy
Now playing
New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street
From $84
The time is right to see THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, Broadway's funniest smash hit! This Olivier Award-winning comedy is a hilarious hybrid of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes. Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it’s “A RIOTOUS EXPLOSION OF COMEDY!” (The Daily Beast) and “TONS OF FUN FOR ALL AGES!” (HuffPost). Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG “A GUT-BUSTING HIT,” and Cindy Adams of the New York Post has just one word for you: “GO!” Get tickets now – it would be WRONG to wait!
Courtesy of Fathomentertainment.com
July 5-7
Various theaters
Various prices
41st anniversary remix and remaster! Created by Rob Reiner, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, This Is Spın̈al Tap chronicles England’s loudest and most punctual band on their disaster-filled U.S. tour. Experience the remastered, remixed, and definitive version of what can only be described as a mockumentary masterpiece. This Is Spın̈al Tap was released to critical acclaim in 1984 and went on to become a cult classic. In 2002, it was deemed "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant" by the Library of Congress, and was selected for preservation by the National Film Registry. This Is Spın̈al Tap has been credited with launching the mockumentary genre. The film shines a light on the self-contained universe of a metal band struggling to get back on the charts, including everything from its complicated history of ups and downs, gold albums, name changes and undersold concert dates, along with the full host of requisite groupies, promoters, hangers-on and historians, sessions, release events and those special behind-the-scenes moments that keep it all real.
© 2024 “CLOUD” FILM PARTNERS
July 10-20
Japan Society, 333 47th Street
Screenings with Receptions: $26 Nonmembers/ $18 Members / $23 seniors & students
Screenings with Q&As: $24 Nonmembers/ $17 Member / $22 seniors & students
All Other Screenings: $20 Nonmembers / $14 Members / $18 seniors & students
Short Films: $10 Nonmembers / Free for Members / $5 seniors & students
North America’s largest festival of contemporary Japanese film returns for its 18th year this summer at Japan Society! Join us July 10-20 for 30 curated films from across Japan featuring major award-winners, indie darlings, up-and-coming filmmakers, restorations, documentaries, experimental and short films and anime. JAPAN CUTS Powered by GU is a showcase of the latest in Japanese cinema, featuring both today’s most popular actors and directors as well as tomorrow’s pioneering talent. Become part of our passionate filmgoer community for premieres, parties and celebrity guests in the heart of America’s biggest city! Leading this year’s highlights: JAPAN CUTS Powered by GU will present legendary director Kiyoshi Kurosawa with the CUT ABOVE Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film, host the premieres of his new film Cloud and recent remake of Serpent’s Path, as well as showcase revivals of License to Live and a new 4K restoration of the original Serpent’s Path.
Toho Animation
July 16-17
JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death
Various theaters
Various prices
Before they were enemies, Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto were high school classmates and friends. The two powerful sorcerers are tasked with protecting Riko Amanai, a student who has been designated to be sacrificed as the Star Plasma Vessel, until she can fulfill her duty. Pursued by a religious cult and other curse users, they are the only sorcerers capable of carrying out such a difficult task – but this mission will set their destinies, and challenge the two sorcerers in ways unimaginable. The beloved and deeply emotional Hidden Inventory / Premature Death arc from the global phenomenon JUJUTSU KAISEN returns to the big screen, reaching all new heights for fans and newcomers alike.
Courtesy of Citywinery.com
Friday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.
City Winery, 233 West Street (Pier 26)
$25-$70
“This album is about the hope that we all carry inside of us,” shares internationally acclaimed pianist, composer and humanitarian, Keiko Matsui, who has worked with everyone from Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Bob James, and Hugh Masekela. “I have this dream where we can each cherish our own happiness and learn to accept and care for one another.” There is a reason why the stunning, soft-spoken, and petite powerhouse with such a commanding presence at the piano has amassed a devout following through the years. “When I tour around the world and witness how my music cuts through our differences and connects everyone, it makes me feel euphoric!” exclaims Keiko, who harnesses this joy on her 30th recording Euphoria. She enlists an all-star contingency of special guests including vocalist, and daughter of Donny Hathaway, Lalah Hathaway, trumpeter Randy Brecker, guitarist Mike Stern, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, vibist Joel Ross, harmonica player Grégoire Maret and pianist/arranger John Beasley. Keiko concludes, “During the past few years, I have witnessed the loss of life and seen people’s sadness and it has been really painful, but it has helped to remind me of the precious gift of time and the importance of gratitude for what I have now,” confides Keiko.” “Euphoria is my gift to my fans around the world.”
Courtesy of Caveat.nyc
July 18-19; August 5
BALLS: The Monster-catchin’ Musical Comedy
Caveat, 21 A Clinton Street
$15-$45
A wild musical appears! “BALLS” is an action-packed immersive experience about the MONSTERS we collect and the FIGHTS we choose to fight. Be the very first to start a “NEW GAME” in this one-of-a-kind extravaganza, overflowing with 8-bit bops, improvised battles, and 151 original Collectabuddies. Now starring Stuart Zagnit, the original voice of Professor Oak from Pokémon!" MONSTERS WERE SCARY. AND THE PROFESSOR WAS SCARED. So he squished ‘em down into little balls, and created a safer world: where monsters are pets - and pets do what they’re told. But when these “Collectabuddies” begin to BITE BACK, the Professor and his piece-of-sh*t grandson are forced to battle their past conceptions of right and wrong to save the game they helped create.
Janus Films
July 18-31
Film Forum, 209 West Houston Street
$11 member, $17 regular
A nine-film festival featuring some of the most influential titles by the legendary director, spanning genres from samurai epic to gritty Noir. All 4K restorations were undertaken by Toho Co., Ltd. in Japan, with many being shown in the U.S. for the first time, including THRONE OF BLOOD, STRAY DOG, HIGH AND LOW, THE HIDDEN FORTRESS, IKIRU, YOJIMBO, and SANJURO and RASHOMON*. *RASHOMON restored in 2K by the Academy Film Archive, the National Film Center of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, and Kadokawa Pictures, Inc. Presented with support from The Reginald S. Reinhardt, Ling-Makekau Fund for Asia-Pacific Films. All films released by Janus Films.
GKIDS
July 19-23
Various theaters
Various prices
From the legendary Studio Ghibli, creators of Spirited Away and Ponyo, and Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki, comes a classic tale of magic and adventure for the whole family. When Satsuki and her sister Mei move with their father to a new home in the countryside, they find country life is not as simple as it seems. They soon discover that the house and nearby woods are full of strange and delightful creatures, including a gigantic but gentle forest spirit called Totoro, who can only be seen by children. Totoro and his friends introduce the girls to a series of adventures, including a ride aboard the extraordinary Cat Bus, in this all-ages animated masterpiece featuring the voices of Tim Daly, Lea Salonga, and real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning, in early roles.
Courtesy of Boneau/Bryan-Brown
Opens July 20
New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street
From $58.99
“You will love this show. We did.” – Penn & Teller
After dazzling audiences in London’s West End, revolutionary magician Jamie Allan brings his record-shattering spectacle to New York City this summer! AMAZE isn’t just another magic show – it’s a mind-bending journey where YOU become part of the impossible. Allan’s revolutionary blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless illusion puts the magic directly in YOUR hands. Breaking records and blowing minds, the international phenomenon that became Chicago’s highest-selling magic show of all time is now coming to New York after conquering London’s prestigious West End! Don’t miss this summer’s must-see sensation!
GKIDS
July 27-29
Various theaters
Various prices
4K remaster! Kenji is a shy, part-time moderator for OZ, the virtual reality world that powers everyday life, until pretty and popular Natsuki recruits him to be her fake boyfriend. While posing as an affluent suitor to Natsuki’s family, Kenji finds that a rogue A.I. program has stolen his online identity, and Kenji is accused of hacking OZ and causing real-world catastrophes. As the destruction in OZ throws Natsuki’s family into disarray, Kenji must unite his newfound connections to overcome an impending cyber apocalypse. Against a backdrop of stunning countryside vistas and virtual spaces bursting with color, Summer Wars is a timeless epic that explores life in the digital age from Academy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda (Belle).
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