Japanese Filmmakers Yamada and Lee Share Stage at Tokyo Festival

Two giants of Japanese cinema met for a public talk in Tokyo. Yōji Yamada and Lee Sang-il discussed their craft and celebrated their achievements. The event was held at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Yamada received the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Lee was honored with the Akira Kurosawa Award. Their conversation revealed a deep mutual respect between the veteran and the record-breaking director.

Mutual Admiration and Artistic Insight

Yamada humorously compared his film to Lee’s epic. He called his own work “lightweight” next to Lee’s grand project. Lee immediately returned the praise.

He called Yamada a “living national treasure” of filmmaking. The audience watched as the two dissected Lee’s hit film, Kokuho. Yamada praised its unconventional dramatic structure.

Breaking Conventions and Box Office Records

Lee’s film has become a massive commercial success. It has earned over 16 billion yen, or $105 million. This makes it Japan’s biggest live-action hit in decades.

The film is also Japan’s official entry for the international Oscar. Its nearly three-hour runtime was a topic of discussion. Lee revealed his first cut was a staggering four and a half hours long.

The two directors also discussed their unique approaches to working with actors. Yamada shared his method of standing right beside the camera. He believes actors need to feel the director’s gaze.

Lee spoke about the immense dedication of his lead actors. They trained for a year and a half to portray kabuki performers authentically. Their persistence was described as incredible.

This meeting of cinematic masters highlights the vibrant, evolving state of Japanese film. The Tokyo International Film Festival provided the perfect backdrop for this exchange. It showcased a powerful passing of the torch between two distinct generations of storytellers.

Info at your fingertips

What is the film Kokuho about?

Kokuho is a story about two kabuki actors. Their lives are bound together by artistry, desire, and fate. It explores themes of homosexuality and rivalry within the traditional theater world.

How successful has Kokuho been at the box office?

The film is a major commercial success. It has earned over 16 billion yen, approximately $105 million. This makes it the biggest Japanese live-action hit in decades.

What awards did the directors receive?

Lee Sang-il received the Akira Kurosawa Award at the festival. Yōji Yamada was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. Both awards recognize their significant contributions to cinema.

How long is the movie Kokuho?

The final runtime of Kokuho is nearly three hours. Director Lee Sang-il revealed his initial cut was much longer. It originally ran for four and a half hours before editing.

What did Yamada say about the Japanese film industry?

Yamada expressed concern about its international standing. He noted that Japanese live-action films struggle globally compared to anime. He called for more government support, similar to policies in South Korea.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, The Japan Times, Associated Press