Issue:
. . . at 6:45 pm on Wed., Dec. 14 for the extraordinary musical masterpiece The Ondekoza, which returns in a blaze of cinematic glory, 35 years after its heralded premiere and subsequent disappearance from public view. Marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of director Tai Kato (1916-1985), Shochiku has digitally remastered the documentary, and it is sure to astound today’s audiences not only with its glorious visuals and dazzling musical performances, but also with its groundbreaking photographic artistry. The film follows the young people who formed a Japanese music ensemble called Ondekoza in 1971 on Sado Island, under the leadership of Tagayasu Den. They live, rehearse and physically train together in Spartan conditions, crafting their own instruments, creating their own choreography and sewing their costumes.
And then, they begin to perform. Working with legendary designer Tadanori Yokoo and Chiyo Umeda, who create colorful, otherworldly sets, Kato’s unique camera techniques match their visual brilliance, capturing the performers as they achieve astonishing levels of virtuosity, transforming the screen into a perfect expression of art’s transcendent power. Acclaimed musician Eitetsu Hayashi, Ondekoza’s breakout star, and remastering producer Tetsuya Nakagawa will appear at a Q&A session following the screening. (Japan, 1981; 105 minutes; Japanese with English subtitles.)
– Karen Severns
