More Japanese Favorites From Susan Sontag

Everyone's favorite polemical cultural critic Susan Sontag has teamed up again with the Japan Society to present 10 of her favorite Japanese films through December 17, "Critic's Choice: Susan Sontag on Japanese Film, Part II." Like the previous popular series in 2003, Sontag wants to celebrate the accomplishments of this national cinema with selections which represent their emphasis on complex characters and powerful storytelling.

Selling out many of the screenings of the first 8 Japanese films she programmed, the Japan Society invited her back to select more essential works. Ticket holders will be granted admission to the main gallery exhibition, "Shomei Tomatsu: Skin of the Nation."

Tonight's film is the Kenji Mizoguchi classic, Story of the Last Chrysanthemums (Zangiku monogatari), about "the selfless devotion and invincible will of a maid pushing a spoiled young actor to develop his craft and rise to the top ranks in kabuki."

Tickets cost $10 general and $5 for Japan Society members, seniors & students. All screenings are at Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street at 1st Ave.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Karen Wilson in Arts & Entertainment on October 19, 2004 8:25 AM

Comments [rss]

Kojak

I've only been to the society once to see a few Japanese horror and detective screenings. A little may be lost in the translation, but still very captivating and in some ways hilarious. I'll definitely go back to see Sontag's Films. Who knows? You might spot Ian Mckellen. He's known to be a regular viewer there. Don't think about saying hi though, he vanishes into thin air right after the film.