Happy Weekend
There are more than ten films released this weekend so that means a two-part trailer post. I’m covering the Osaka Asian Film Festival 2023 so I’ll still be posting reviews on the weekend. I’ve kept up a good pace so far, I think.
What are the first bunch of films released this weekend?
My Happy Marriage 
わたしの幸せな結婚 「Watashi no Shiawasena Kekkon」
Release Date: March 17th, 2023
Duration: 115 mins.
Director: Ayuko Tsukahara
Writer: Tomoe Kanno (Screenplay), Akumi Agitogi (Original Novel),
Starring: Ren Meguro, Mio Imada, Tsutomu Takahashi, Ryoko Kibayashi, Sayaka Yamaguchi, Akari Takaishi, Renji Ishibashi,
Synopsis: In a fictional version of Tokyo that blends the Meiji and Taisho periods we follow a young woman named Miyo Saimori who comes from a reputable family. When her mother dies, her father marries again. Her stepmother and stepsisters are cruel and mistreat her. Then, one day, she is ordered to marry Kiyoka Kudo, a military man with a reputation for being mean and ruthless. Apparently, other women have fled him and it seems that Mio might be doomed to being trapped but she finds him to be kinder than he is reputed to be and love begins to blossom on both sides. Then, attacks start happening in the city…
Downfall 
零落 「Reiraku」
Release Date: March 17th, 2023
Duration: 128 mins.
Director: Naoto Takenaka
Writer: Yutaka Kuramochi (Screenplay), Inio Asano (Original Manga),
Starring: Takumi Saito, Shuri, Megumi, Rio Yamashita, Tina Tamashiro, Yumi Adachi, Shiho Sasaki,
Synopsis: After eight years of work, Kaoru Fukazawa has finished the final chapter of his manga but with no new ideas on the horizon he feels like a failure and falls into depression. Since his relationship with his wife is on bad terms, he spends time at a brothel which is where he meets Chifuyu, a woman with cat-like eyes. He is attracted to her and appreciates the fact that she doesn’t ask too many questions. He travels with Chifuyu to her hometown.
Inu Kaitenshite Nigeru 
犬、回転して、逃げる 「Inu Kaitenshite Nigeru」
Release Date: March 17th, 2023
Duration: 82 mins.
Director: Masaki Nishigaki
Writer: Masaki Nishigaki (Screenplay),
Starring: Reo Nagatsuma, Sae Miyazawa, Takeshi Nadagi, Akiko Nishina, Watari 119
Synopsis: Eiki Kinashi lives a double-life. His front is as a nice guy working at a cafe but he is also a thief. When robbing a policewoman named Yuzuki, he finds a letter inside an envelope filled with cash, saying “I’ll be watching you all the time.” Aside from that, nothing else notable occurs. That is until his beloved soy-bushiba dog disappears. This, just as the town that he lives in becomes subject to bomb threats and random kidnappings of kids!
Playing Dead 
死体の人 「Shita no Hito」
Release Date: March 17th, 2023
Duration: 94 mins.
Director: Isao Kusakari
Writer: Masaki Nishigaki, Yuu Shibuya (Screenplay),
Starring: Eita Okuno, Erika Karata, Raiku, Setsuko Karasuma, Kitaro, Ryo Iwase, Kentaro Tamura,
Synopsis: Hiroshi Yoshida’s dreams of acting have only got him as far as playing dead bodies and his clients tell him that he isn’t really good at doing that. Nevertheless, he dedicates himself to his craft. To take his mind off things, he hires a call girl named Kana. When his mother collapses, she urges him to watch her so he can learn something about death. It turns out that it may help him in a situation with Kana as she flees her abusive boyfriend and Hiroshi’s acting might be needed.
Yokai no Mago 
妖怪の孫「Yokai no Mago」
Release Date: March 17th, 2023
Duration: 115 mins.
Director: Yuto Uchiyama
Writer: N/A
Starring: Shinzo Abe, Taro Aso, Nobusuke Kishi,
Synopsis: This is a political documentary that delves into “the true shadow of Japan. It covers Shinzo Abe, his maternal grandfather Nobusuke Kishi and their relationship, their shared desire to restart militarism in Japan, and shady links in the business world.
Yokohama F. Marinos Club 30th Anniversary Documentary Beyond Together 
横浜F・マリノス クラブ創設30周年記念ドキュメンタリー Beyond Together「Yokohama F Marinosu Kurabu Sousetsu 30 Shuunenkinen Dokyumentari- Beyond Together」
Release Date: March 17th, 2023
Duration: 128 mins.
Director: Yuta Maki
Writer: N/A
Starring: N/A
Synopsis: A sports documentary produced to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the founding of the J. League soccer club Yokohama F. Marinos. It follows them during the 2022 season where they won the J. League Championship as well as their 30-year history.
Oshi no Ko Mother and Children 
【推しの子】Mother and Children 「Oshi no Ko Mother and Children 」
Release Date: March 17th, 2023
Duration: 84 mins
Director: Daisuke Hiramaki
Writer: Keiichi Hasegawa (Screenplay), Aka Akasaka, Mengo Yokoyari (Original Creator)
Starring: Takeo Otsuka (Aqua Hoshino), Yurie Igoma (Ruby Hoshino),
Animation Production: Kadokawa Animation
Synopsis: This is the first episode of the TV anime adaptation of a manga where an obstetrician-gynecologist is hired to secretly deliver the babies of an idol, ends up getting killed and reincarnated as one of the babies. The idol gets killed and he tries to piece together evidence. I am not joking.