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.
The events of the month ahead promise to be as rich and full as autumn itself—brisk and colorful, with a dash of unpredictability.
This month’s highlights include:
Now through November 6
Angelika Film Center & Cafe, 18 West Houston Street
Experience Academy Award-winner director Guillermo Del Toro’s latest creation—just in time for Halloween in glorious 35mm! This is the latest adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation. Says the director: “The movie tries to show imperfect characters and the right we have to remain imperfect.” Starring Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, Ralph Ineson, Jacob Elordi, and Christoph Waltz.
Now through November 30
Mercer Labs, 21 Dey Street
From $55
Since its debut more than a quarter century ago, One Piece has grown into a franchise that currently spans 15 feature films, multiple video games, a trading card game, and a continually expanding catalog of licensed merchandise and location-based entertainment. This all-new exhibition spans 11 rooms at Mercer Labs and is based on the Land of Wano Arc from the One Piece anime series. “We’re thrilled to partner with Mercer Labs to create ONE PIECE x MERCER LABS and bring this cutting-edge immersive One Piece experience to fans in New York City,” said Lisa Yamatoya, Senior Director and Head of Marketing at Toei Animation Inc. “For over 25 years, One Piece has delighted audiences worldwide through the imaginative storytelling and colorful characters created by Eiichiro Oda. This exhibition offers fans and newcomers alike a rare opportunity to step inside the world of One Piece and experience it in an entirely new way.” Join the Straw Hat Crew and step aboard the Thousand Sunny and meet the future King of the Pirates!
Saturday, November 1, 4:00 p.m.
Godzilla in Context: 70 Years of Monster History
Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street
$15-$20
The original Godzilla film was first released on Nov 3, 1954, and this date is now remembered each year as “Godzilla Day,” paying tribute to the birth of Japan’s most famous monster. In honor of this year’s Godzilla Day, Japan Society will host author Steve Ryfle (70 Years of Godzilla) for a special anniversary talk.
November 5, 9
Rocky IV: Rocky vs Drago – The Ultimate Director’s Cut
Various theaters
Various prices
The most triumphant sports-drama franchise in history returns with a new look in Fathom Entertainment’s exclusive presentation of Rocky IV: Rocky vs. Drago! Director, writer and star Sylvester Stallone masterfully reshapes Rocky IV in this ultimate director’s cut, including new footage. With more intense fight scenes, world heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa (Stallone) defends his title once again, this time against Drago (Dolph Lundgren), a six-foot-four, 261-pound fighter who has the backing of the Soviet Union. This Fathom’s Big Screen Classics release includes exclusive insights from Leonard Maltin.
November 11, 13
Various theaters
Various prices
The year is 2099. Humanity has advanced, overcoming all injuries and illnesses with the development of the Medical Android Technology “Somadea.” However, along with the development of Somadea, crimes misusing said technology have rapidly increased. Somadea grants physical abilities far superior to those of normal flesh and blood, and by illegally modifying it, Somadea can be misused for criminal purposes. To deal with these Somadea crimes, the government established the Bounty Hunter System. Civilians registered as bounty hunters are permitted to kill illegal Somadea users designated as wanted criminals by the police. In return, they are rewarded with large amounts of bounty money. In this unforgiving world, Ubu Kamigori makes a living hunting down criminals as a bounty hunter. But one day, when she returns home from a job, she finds the man with whom she has a sordid history waiting there – Mr. Elegance. And so, her destiny begins to unravel. A tale woven by mechanical girls and the smell of gunpowder smoke, this suspenseful action begins!
November 12 (Dolby early access), 15 (Metrograph), November 19-20 (citywide)
Various theaters
Various prices
New 4K restoration personally supervised by director Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell)! Made in collaboration with storied illustrator Yoshitaka Amano (Final Fantasy, Vampire Hunter D), Oshii’s lyrical animated allegory, rich in Biblical allusions and parsimonious in spoken dialogue, follows a young girl traveling through the ruins of a post-apocalyptic cityscape, placing all of her hopes for the future in her most treasured possession: an egg that she fervently believes will eventually hatch an angel, soon to draw unwanted attention from the boy who becomes her lone companion. A work of bewildering beauties and insoluble mysteries, Angel’s Egg makes its American 40th anniversary theatrical debut across the country Nov. 12 in Dolby Cinema, which combines the highest standard of cinematic picture and sound with Dolby Vision + Atmos. Rediscover an enduring anime classic on the big screen in this breathtaking premium format!
Friday, November 14, 8:00 p.m.
An Evening of Traditional Japanese Arts
Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Avenue
From $75.50
Part of Carnegie Hall’s monthlong Spotlight on Japan, which celebrates the music and culture of Japan with events that span multiple art forms and musical genres. Discover the heritage and evolution of Noh and Kabuki theater, taiko drumming, the three-stringed shamisen, and more led by today’s foremost actors, musicians, and representatives of art forms that have been handed down and passionately studied for centuries. Performers include Hirotada Kamei, Noh Musician; Denzaemon Tanaka, Kabuki Musician; Denjiro Tanaka, Kabuki Musician; Yoshimasa Kanze, Noh Actor; Takanobu Sakaguchi, Noh Actor; Saburota Kanze, Noh Actor; Hayato Nakamura, Kabuki Actor; Hiromitsu Agatsuma, Shamisen; Kouki Agatsuma, Shamisen; Masaru Tsuji, Wadaiko; Suguha Otani, Japanese Dance; Yumi Kurosawa, Koto; Takuya Iwata, Shakuhachi; Yuichi Otsuki, Noh Actor; Manabu Takeichi, Noh Musician; Wakichi Kineya, Nagauta Singer; Chotatsuro Imafuji, Nagauta Shamisen; Kineya Gotaro, Nagauta Musician; Kineya Katsueiji, Nagauta Musician; Kineya Katsukuniharu, Nagauta Musician; Imafuji Tatsujuro, Nagauta Musician; Kan Fukuhara, Shinobue.
leave a reply