Warwick Arts Centre welcomes the best of Japanese cinema

Goodbye Cruel World.

The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2023

Warwick Arts Centre from Friday 10 – Wednesday 15 March.

Preview by Dave Freak

The UK’s largest festival of Japanese cinema is back this March, and Warwick Arts Centre is helping it celebrate its 20-year anniversary. To mark the milestone, this year’s programme will showcase the fascinating trajectory of Japanese cinema, with five films screening in Coventry from Friday 10 to Wednesday 15 March 2023 as part of The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2023.

Under the theme ‘Always Evolving’, the programme reflects exciting developments in Japanese film:

Lesson in Murder

Fri 10 Mar 2023, 5.15pm

Lesson in Murder (Shikei ni itaru yamai) (cert 15 tbc)

SHIRAISHI Kazuya, 2022, 128 min

After receiving a letter from the worst serial killer (ABE Sadawo) in history, Masaya’s (OKADA Kenshi) university days build to a crescendo of nauseating dread as he learns the cruel truth. A terrific psychodrama plays out as Masaya investigates the murderer’s last crime, diving deep into the criminal’s mind.

The Million Ryo Pot. Photo credit Nikkatsu Corporation

Sun 12 Mar 2023, 1.45pm

The Million Ryo Pot (Tange Sazen yowa: Hyakuman ryo no tsubo) (cert PG tbc)

YAMANAKA Sadao, 1935, 92 min

A pot containing a secret map for treasure has been sold to a junk dealer and then sold again to an orphan, who uses it as a goldfish bowl. As everyone greedily chases after the pot, Tange Sazen (OKOCHI Denjiro), who works as a bodyguard, stumbles upon the frenzied search, knowing nothing about the secrets of the pot.

My Broken Mariko, Photo credit Mariko Films Partners

Mon 13 Mar 2023, 5.15pm

My Broken Mariko (cert 12A tbc)

TANADA Yuki, 2022, 85 min

Tomoyo (NAGANO Mei) has lost her best friend Mariko (Nao) to suicide. Caught up in a constant whirlwind of memories, Tomoyo embarks on a journey with Mariko’s ashes to fulfil her friend’s dream. An emotionally challenging film depicting trauma and abuse in our modern world.

Under the Open Sky. Photo credit Ryuzo Saki 2021

Tue 14 Mar 2023, 8.15pm

Under the Open Sky (Subarashiki sekai) (cert 15 tbc)

NISHIKAWA Miwa, 2021, 126 min

Former murderer Mikami (YAKUSHO Koji) is released from prison and tries to re-adapt to society. Intrigued by his life, a TV crew follows Mikami’s struggles and relationships with others. Can people with a criminal past truly become accepted?

Goodbye Cruel World

Wed 15 Mar 2023, 8.15pm

Goodbye Cruel World (cert 18 tbc)

OMORI Tatsushi, 2022, 127 min

A one-time robbery job by a group of five strangers ends in success. Obtaining a great sum of money, the five are engulfed in a chaotic war between yakuza, police and politicians … all coming after their money. In this stylish noir film, who is friend and who is foe?

With three intimate and state-of-the-art screens, Warwick Arts Centre's cinema shows a mix of new and classic cinema from around the world, alongside family favourites, award-winners and just-out blockbusters. Forthcoming attractions include Akira Kurosawa's 1950 epic, Rashomon (21-23 Mar 2023), sustainable fashion documentary Fashion Reimagined (6-9 Mar), horror prequel Pearl (17-23 Mar), Audrey Hepburn classic Roman Holiday (17-19 Mar), Brandon Cronenberg's twisting Infinity Pool (24-30 Mar) and John Wick: Chapter 4 (24-30 Mar), starring Keanu Reeves.

For more information, and to book seats, call 024 7649 6000 or see: www.warwickartscentre.co.uk