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Departures
Japan, 2008, 131 min.
A failed cellist connects with his inner undertaker, his rural hometown and his newly deceased father in this tonally eccentric, lushly scored, movingly funny drama. Crushed at the breakup of his Tokyo orchestra, Daigo retreats to his picturesque northern Japan hometown, with adoring wife in tow.... more
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The Drummer
Hong Kong, 2007, 98 min.
Gorgeous mountain landscapes, Zen practice, and gangsters make an unlikely combination, but The Drummer explores each of these worlds in this rite-of-passage film about a gangster’s son who turns his life around when he joins a Zen drumming group, portrayed by the Taiwanese troupe U Theater.... more
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Kabei
Japan, 2008, 133 min.
Set in 1940 Tokyo, veteran Yoji Yamada's 80th (!) feature is a deeply affecting drama centering on mother and wife Kayo (Sayuri Yoshinaga), who struggles to get along with her two daughters after her professor husband is jailed for his progressive views.... more
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Machan
Italy/Sri Lanka, 2008, 109 min.
Based on a real-life event, Machan tells the story of a group of slum dwellers on the margins of society who find an invitation to a handball tournament in Bavaria, and band together to form the unlikely Sri Lanka National Handball Team.... more
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Painted Skin
Hong Kong, 2008, 118 min.
A lushly produced supernatural/martial arts action/historical romance that delves into intricate emotions and relationships between man and demon, love and passion, loyalty and temptation, treachery and integrity, ending in a finale with surprising twist.... more
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The Shaft
China, 2008, 98 min.
Set amid the imposing mountains of western China, the dreams and disappointments of a family of coalmine workers poignantly reflect the plight of a vast number of ordinary laborers unable to climb the ladder of the country's post-Communist economy.... more
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Tokyo Sonata
Japan, 2008, 119 min.
From the world-renowned suspense/thriller director comes the quiet, engaging drama of an average Tokyo family slowly unraveling after proud patriarch Ryuhei is laid off from his job — and tries to hide the fact from his wife and two sons.... more
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Trip to Asia: The Quest for Harmony
Germany, 2008, 108 min.
A must for any classical music fan, this gripping documentary features the world famous Berlin Philharmonic and its charismatic conductor Sir Simon Rattle. Shot during a tour to Beijing, Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei and Tokyo, it offers intimate access to the private world of the 126 skilled musicians.... more
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The Witch of the West Is Dead
Japan, 2008, 116 min.
Featuring a touching performance by Sachi Parker (the look-alike daughter of Shirley MacLaine) this enchanting film about a special summer shared by a wise grandmother and her teen granddaughter was a popular hit in Japan and should strike a chord here as well.... more
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