Hamaguchi discussion continues: Happy Hour
Friday, February 25 at 4:00pm
Watch Happy Hour on Kanopy, PlutoTV, Prime Video, or Criterion, then join us for a mini movie night to talk more about the films of Oscar nominee Hamaguchi Ryusuke
RSVP for Zoom link with “2/25 movie night” in the header
J-Sei At the Movies – the films of Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Friday, February 11, 6:30 pm via Zoom
The annual Academy Awards are approaching, and one director who is currently getting a lot of buzz is Japan’s Ryusuke Hamaguchi, who in 2021 premiered not one, but two films (Drive My Car and Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy) to worldwide acclaim. Who is Ryusuke Hamaguchi, and what makes his films so special? We’ll spend the evening discussing his films and their international appeal.
Here is what we’d like to do: Before getting together on the 11th, each of us will watch Hamaguchi’s film ASAKO I & II (2018) on our own. You can access ASAKO I & II in a number of ways: via the streaming service Kanopy if you’re a library member (many public libraries also have the movie on DVD or Blu-ray); on the Criterion channel if you’re a subscriber; and for rent through Prime Video. Then, on February 11 we’ll all meet on Zoom to talk about that film and everyone’s thoughts about it.
ASAKO I & II (Japanese title: Netemo sametemo) is a “pop romance” depicting the perplexing love life of a young woman named Asako as she falls in love first with a charming drifter named Baku and then with young businessman Ryohei, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Baku but has a completely different personality. What will Asako do?
You are welcome to watch other Hamaguchi films if you can. DRIVE MY CAR is currently playing in theaters. WHEEL OF FORTUNE AND FANTASY is not presently available, but may be shortly. HAPPY HOUR (2015) can be found on Kanopy, Criterion channel, Pluto TV, and Prime Video—this is an excellent film, but be warned: the entire movie runs for a total of 5 hours.
RSVP with “Feb Movie Night” in the subject line.
You’ll receive Zoom information prior to the event.
Please join us for this Valentine’s Day treat.
See you at the movies!
J-Sei Movie Night Bento
February 11 Bento
For movie night, you can order specially made obento from My Friend Yuji. Here are this month’s special offerings;
- Asari sakamushi pasta (braised Manila clams in sake dashi and pasta) – $18
- Pulled pork sandwich kit (homemade Hawaiian King style buns, lightly pickled cabbage and onions, slow-braised pork) – $18
To order: When you click on the button above, it will take you directly to a pop-up order form on the My Friend Yuji webpage, where you first select a pickup time. In the next window, click anywhere inside the box frame to open another pop-up and select the number of bento you want to order, then click on “Add item” to close the pop-up. Click the “View order” bar at the bottom to confirm your order and click “Continue to payment” to sign in and pay for your order.
Support J-Sei At the Movies
Thanks to you, J-Sei At the Movies is celebrating its fourth anniversary! We look forward to more creative programming with inspiring Japanese and Japanese American films. We are especially grateful for the up close and personal chats with filmmakers as we learn so much from the exchange.
We welcome any donations to help us offset costs for Movie Night. Thanks for your good energy and support!