TOKYO FILMeX

We present twelve films from amongst the masterworks of director KURAHARA Koreyoshi (1927-2002), focusing on the period spanning the 1950s and '60s when he created successful star vehicles for Nikkatsu, while also harnessing his talents for highly original works of his own. The vitality and desire for escape that runs through these films, as well as their representation of the mood of the time, are all part of the charm of KURAHARA's work. National Film Center and TOKYO FILMeX bring you this special program of 12 films, all subtitled in English and including 10 new prints (excepting

KURAHARA Koreyoshi （1927～2002) Profile

Born in Borneo in 1927. After graduating from the film department of Nihon University, he joined Shochiku's Kyoto studio. In 1954 he left for Nikkatsu where he made his directorial debut with "Ore wa Matteru ze" (57) starring ISHIHARA Yujiro. Made a name for himself as one of Nikkatsu's foremost directors with films such as the Ishihara vehicles "Ginza no Koi no Monogatari (62) and "Nikui Anchikusho" (62). Adapted MISHIMA Yukio's novel "The Thirst for Love" for the screen in 1967, but Nikkatsu's postponement of its release led him to resign and go freelance the same year.
Subsequently helmed a number of major works shot overseas including "Eiko e no 5,000 Kiro" (69) and "See You" (88). In 1983 his "Antarctica" became a huge hit that broke the box office record for a Japanese film, was screened in competition at the Berlin Film Festival the following year, and was eventually remade by Disney in 2006.
Died in 2002 at the age of 75. Directed 36 films in his lifetime.