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NEVER SEEN IN EUROPE BEFORE 2012

A Japanese / North Korean historical martial arts co-production from 1997, the film was not shown in Europe for 12 years, until 2012, because of political problems between Japan and North Korea.

The film had its European Premiere on 14 Sept in London, and this is a pretty rare opportunity to see this film!

THE PLOT - MARTIAL ARTS REVENGE

The film takes place in the medieval times, in ancient Korea. During the quashing of a farmers’ revold, the parents of Somi, then a little girl, are ruthlessly murdered by a government guard.

The shock causes Somi to lose her voice as she flees for her life. She is rescued by a white-haired martial arts master, along with another young boy, orphaned in the same raid. As the old man raises the two in his martial arts school, Somi and the young boy grow up together like brother and sister, waiting until their day of vengeance arrives.

JAPANESE PRODUCTION WITH GREAT SETS

The film was financed 100% on the Japanese side and was intended for an international audience. The story follows a similar narrative to that celebrated Japanese tale of tyranny and revenge, Lady Snowblood, but benefits from the sets, locations and solid craftsmanship provided by its North Korean cast and crew, resulting in a far higher production values than one would expect of a historical martial arts action movie made in Japan during the same period.

According to the film’s producer, the actress playing Somi was an amateur who was chosen by the North Koreans “because they thought that the Japanese might like her face”.

ENGLISH SUBTITLED 35MM PRINT ONLY EVER USED ONCE

As fortune would have it, however, the film was only screened once in Japan in 2001. It didn’t fare much better in North Korea either, screening only once on its premiere on New Year’s eve 1997/98. Meanwhile global political developments saw potential markets for the film closing, and though an English-language 35mm print was prepared, it was never used outside of its 2001 screening and remained in storage, until now…

Tonight is a rare chance to see the film on that special 35mm print!

FILM SHOWN AT ZIPANGUFEST IN LONDON

This film was shown at the Opening night of the very great ZipanguFest in London on 14 Sept, and we're very lucky to be showing it in our little cinema!

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Screening organised with the support of ZIPANGUFEST http://zipangufest.com/

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Tickets: 

ON THE NIGHT: £5 / £3.50 (conc)

ADVANCE TICKETS: £4.50 / £3 (CONC) http://www.wegottickets.com/event/190416