Third Window Films Release Be My Baby Today
Third Window Films released the Japanese film Be My Baby today, May 25th, on DVD. For those who may not know, this film is a potent black comedy based on a stage play. It is all about a disastrous house party and the two weeks that follow where exposes loves, hatreds, and personal problems of a group of friends and lovers are exposed. Each character is a product of the gyaru youth sub-culture and it can be considered a shockingly frank and funny expose of how some people live in real life.
It was made on a miniscule budget that toured the festival circuit from 2013 and impressed critics thanks to powerhouse acting that tackled a script full of twisting dialogue and shifting allegiances. As a result of the skill seen on screen the film picked up multiple awards on its tour. Here are the details of the film:
BE MY BABY
Directed by Hitoshi One (Moteki – Love Strikes)
A special ‘workshop’ film from Japan. Made by an actors’ workshop featuring all newcomers under the supervision of a veteran director, all made in just 4 days for a budget of less than $10,000!
Japan / 2012 / 138 Mins / In Japanese with English subtitles / Colour
Starring newcomers: Chihiro Shibata, Naoko Wakai, Yuumi Goto, Yuki Ueda, Aya Kunitake, Kenta Niikura, Daisuke Sawamura, Kenta Enya
On DVD May 25th
DVD Special Features:
‘Girls Talk’ – Pajama party with female cast of the film
Interview with producer Masashi Yamamoto
Warning: The trailer contains some steamy moments.
Synopsis
Unfolding in the two weeks following a casual party at the home of the overbearing Koji, nine “20-something” Japanese revellers with long, deeply entwined histories navigate the secrets and lies of contemporary relationships. Touching on issues of self-respect, emotional manipulation, casual viciousness, petty interpersonal politicking, dependency, insecurity, infidelity and misogyny, One Hitoshi’s drama is as dark as it is soapy — with unfortunately recognisable characters with recognisable human flaws.
The Japan Times – Top 10 Films of the year
YesAsia – Top 10 Films of the year
Eiga Geijutsu – Top 10 Films of the year
23rd Japan Film Professional Awards – Honourable Mention for New Actors
8th Five Flavours Film Festival – Winner People’s Jury Award
