ARCHIVED ONLINE EVENT - The Japan Society Film Club: Under the Open Sky directed by Miwa Nishikawa

Date
Wednesday 8 January 2025
Time
6.30pm (GMT)
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Booking Details
Online meeting on Zoom
Please register for the meeting in advance from the link below. After registering, you will receive a automated confirmation email with meeting access details (please check your spam folder if you don't receive any emails).

Free for members of The Japan Society

Please remember to watch the film in advance. 
Under the Open Sky (2021) is available to watch for free on the Japan Foundation's JFF Theatre online streaming platform (until 1 February 2025).

Please help us to keep this event free and open to all! The Japan Society is a charity and its activities are made possible thanks to the support of its members. If you are planning to attend this event and are not a member (as an individual or through your employer), please consider becoming a member or making a donation if you can - the recommended donation is £5. Thank you!

Opening our film club in 2025, we invite you to watch and discuss the critically acclaimed film Under the Open Sky directed by Miwa Nishikawa.

Under the Open Sky (すばらしき世界, Subarashiki sekai, 2021) follows the story of Mikami, a former yakuza member who is released from prison after 13 years. Determined to live an honest life as an elderly man, he struggles to reintegrate into a society that views him with suspicion and prejudice. As he battles his past and his own temper, Mikami forms a poignant bond with a young TV producer documenting his journey. The film offers a powerful exploration of redemption, human connection, and the challenges of starting over, set against the backdrop of modern Japan's ageing society.

Miwa Nishikawa (1974-) is a prominent Japanese filmmaker and screenwriter known for her nuanced storytelling and character-driven narratives. She began her career as an assistant to director Koreeda Hirokazu before making her directorial debut with Wild Berries (2003). Her critically acclaimed works, including Sway (2006), Dear Doctor (2009) and The Long Excuse (2016), explore themes of morality, human relationships, and societal pressures. Nishikawa’s films often feature deeply flawed yet relatable characters, reflecting her keen observation of human nature.

Do you love Japanese film classics, anime or contemporary cinema stories? Do you miss Japan and want to see it at least on screen? Would you like to learn and discuss about Japanese culture and society? The Japan Society Film Club is an online space to chat about films and Japan in an informal atmosphere. It take place on the first Wednesday of the month. We recommend a film to watch in advance and meet online to discuss. Films are often available online for free, to rent or with subscription, on DVD/Blu Ray or on BFI player. The event is open to all and we encourage participants to freely express their opinions and feelings about the films.

If you have any questions, please call The Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email events@japansociety.org.uk.