Japan ‘70: Cinema on the Edge

51 years ago, Japanese cinema offered young (and not so young), daring and dangerous filmmakers exciting opportunities to push the boundaries of cinematic language and challenge outdated notions of good taste. The result was some of the most delirious and challenging films ever put on celluloid. These are films where the Japanese new wave, underground and exploitation cinemas rubbed shoulders and cross-pollinated, ensuring that when audiences entered the cinema, they were never sure what they might experience.

This season brings together a number of films from Japan that are rarely seen in UK cinemas. Together, they represent marginalised aspects of Japanese society in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In particular, it offers works that explore the intersection of youth culture, social class, film form and politics at the time. All a long way from the anodyne, cultural vacuum of the corporate driven 2020/1 Olympic games, these films remain highly challenging and controversial.

Screening as part of Japan 2020: Over 100 years of Japanese Cinema, a UK-wide film season supported by National Lottery and BFI Film Audience Network.

bfijapan.co.uk