This week: ‘Mesmerising’ Japanese film

SHINKAI’S mesmerising, dazzlingly beautiful film broke box office records in Japan for months after its release, and heralded his arrival as the new crown prince of Japanese animation.

YOUR NAME – Japan 2016, 106 minutes, 12 certificate – Directed by Makoto Shinkai, Starring Kana Hanazawa (voice), Etsuko Ichihara (voice), Ryûnosuke Kamiki (voice), Mone Kamishiraishi (voice), Masami Nagasawa (voice), Ryô Narita (voice)

It tells the story of two teens from different parts of the country: Mitsuha is from a remote and traditional rural community, constrained and frustrated by the demands of a conservative community and its attendant ancient rituals. Meanwhile Taki lives in Tokyo, leading the kind of sophisticated urban life that Mitsuha dreams of having for herself. One morning, inexplicably, they wake up in each-other’s bodies, just for a day, an event that happens repeatedly and at random. They have to endure the humiliations – and unexpected pleasures – of learning to live not only as another person but as another gender. They end up communicating with each other by leaving messages on smartphones, instructions and reminders that soon become something else, a deepening emotional connection between two people who have never met.

On one level, then, this is a funny, heart-warming and poignant examination of longing and identity, of gender and first love. But Japanese animation resolutely eschews the narrative conventions that might be expected of Western cinema: our protagonists are also enmeshed in a tale of ancient magic, spectral goings-on, natural disasters and time travel, rendered in spectacular and thrilling animation.

If you are unfamiliar with Japanese anime, then this film is like nothing you have seen before – and if you are a fan of the genre, then this is exemplary. Either way, expect to be wowed. View trailer here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU47nhruN-Q

This Saturday November 11, 8pm – Doors open 7.30pm
Film tickets are available on the door or online- Click HERE