In a once-peaceful Japanese town suffering from the aftereffects of the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami, Yuichi, a 15-year-old boy who desires normalcy, is driven to violence. Based on the manga of the same name, Sion Sono’s powerful story of young love/obsession boasts some of the director’s finest work with actors. Its young leads, Shota Sometani and Fumi Nikaido jointly won the Best New Actor Award at the 68th Venice Film Festival.

A steady presence on the international festival circuit for over a decade, Sono’s unique films have been sadly underseen in the United States. For one week only, the Film Society is delighted to present two of Sono’s recent offerings.

Venice Film Festival, 2011
Toronto International Film Festival, 2011

“A refreshingly sensitive character study.” —Michael Nordine, LA Weekly

“Four stars! Tender, affecting performances from Shôta Sometani and Fumi Nikaidô.” —Mike McCahill, The Guardian