In the first of this three-part season finale, I've invited fellow author and movie reviewer Derrick Ferguson to come on and talk with me about Akira Kurosawa's 1954 classic, Seven Samurai, and to compare it with John Sturges' 1960 remake, The Magnificent Seven. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message

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In light of Kazuo Koikes recent passing, the film Ive chosen for this episode is an adaptation of his most famous creationLone Wolf and Cub. Released in 1972 and starring Tomisaburo Wakayama, Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance was the first of six films based on Koikes manga. Its the story of a former shogunate executioner framed for treason who must become an assassin for hire, accompanied by his young son. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message

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In another episode documenting movies based on the novels of Kanae Minato, I watched Yoshihiro Nakamuras 2014 film, The Snow White Murder Case. When a beautiful young woman is killed in a brutal fashion, all signs point to a jealous co-worker. But as always in one of Minatos thrillers, theres more to the story --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message

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Tetsuya Nakashima was mostly known as a comedy director, but in 2010 he made his debut into the world of thrillers with Confessions. Based on the book of the same name by Kanae Minato, Confessions is a chilling tale of a teacher seeking revenge for the death of her daughter. Discover more about it in this episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message

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After two ligher episodes, we take a turn towards the darker side of Japanese cinema by having a look at Takashi Miikes world-famous horror film, Audition! When a widower decides to remarry, he opts for an audition to find the perfect wife. What he gets is something very different --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message

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Set in 1987, Initiation Love focuses on the struggles a young company employee has when he starts a new job and maintaining a long-distance relationship. Marketed on the basis of a massive twist, was that twist worth it? Find out in the latest episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message

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Based on a possibly true story, this week we look at 2005's Train Man. Can a geek with no style or social skills win over the love of a beautiful woman with the help of the Internet, or is he just making it all up? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message

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Hirokazu Kore-eda's 2018 film, Shoplifters, has received near-universal critical acclaim across the globe. Find out why so many are responding to it, what it says about poverty in Japan, and why Japanese conservatives have been angered by the movie. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message

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Momoko is a selfish lolita obsessed with the Rococo era. Ichiko is a is a gruff, tough yanki biker girl with a penchant for spitting and head-butting. Enter a world of biker legends and frilly dresses in Tetsuya Nakashima's Kamikaze Girls! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message

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Travel back to 1860 Japan and experience Akira Kurosawa's samurai masterpiece, Yojimbo. When a wandering ronin comes across a town caught in the middle of a gang war, he decides to stay and play both sides off each other. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message

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