“Our generation is hopeless…. What are you laughing about?” Film Movement has debuted the official US trailer for an indie film from Japan titled Happyend, made by filmmaker Neo Sora as his first narrative feature. This premiered at the 2024 Venice Film Festival last year, and we posted an early teaser before its debut at NYFF as well. Ready for release in theaters this fall – one year after its premiere. Set in near-future Tokyo, the threat of a catastrophic earthquake looms. Two friends prank their principal before graduation, leading to dystopian school surveillance installation, which eventually leads to a rift between the two high school teenagers. Happyend “amplifies the sociopolitical dynamics already present in Japan today” with a sharp cinematic story about a group of friends. Another fascinating surveillance thriller, with commentary on contemporary society, similar to Stranger Eyes. The cast features Hayato Kurihara, Yukito Hidaka, Yuta Hayashi, Shina Peng, ARAZI, Kilala Inori, PUSHIM, & Makiko Watanabe. The film focuses mainly on these two friends dealing with their new surveillance world that’s taking over their entire lives. I’m a fan of this one. I listed it as one of the Best of the Fest at Venice last year – smart, clever, & intriguing. // Continue Reading ›
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