Hoga News

Ryoko Hirosue's Oscar fashion

I don't even know if anybody cares, but any Oscar topic cannot go without mentioning the dress and fashion.  So I am sticking to this precious American tradition for Japan's "Departure" movie.

Ryoko Hirosue at the press conference after the show.  Courtesy of Hollywood Newswire - photo by Ima Kuroda / www.HollywoodNewsWire.net

The leading actress Ryoko Hirosue in "Departure" appeared in a cherry-blossom-like light pink dress last night in the award presentation.  The dress is from Valentino's 2009 spring-summer pret-a-porter collection.  The jewerly and clutch bag are from Jimmy Choo.

.... says AFP BB News.  I don't have a good picture of her with the clutch bag, but you can see the original article with a nicer photo.  It looks really nice.

I don't know what those mean, but you can google them and find out more. ^o^

Michi

"Departures" team reaction to the Oscar

From Hollywood Newswire.  http://www.hollywoodnewswire.net/

A Japanese movie finally won the award.  While the excitement was still in the air, a press conference was held in Roosevelt Hotel, located across the street from Kodak Theater with "Departure" film director, cast members, screen writer and producer.

From left to right:  Kimiko Yo (supporting actress), Masahiro Motoki (main actor), Yojiro Takita (director), Ryoko Hirosue (main actress), Kundo Koyama (screen writer), Yasuhiro Mase(producer).   Courtesy of Hollywood Newswire - photo by Ima Kuroda / www.HollywoodNewsWire.net

Main actor Masahiro Motoki appeared with a nervous look, and confessed "I don't know how to put it in words.  I cannot organize my thought, as I thought Israeli movie would win."

Director Yojiro Takita commented with a full smile, "it is like a dream.  I could not even believe I could come here, but we even got a gift, so I am so happy.  It is a proof of Japanese film makers' ability.  This award was given to all the staff and cast."

Main actress Ryoko Hirosue said "I am happy that a Japanese movie was recognized.  I would like to thank my friends and family for supporting me all the time," and screenwriter Kundo Koyama answered "I realized that my life has been lead to this day, if I look back that all the agony and sarrow I experienced produced this screenplay.  To win the Oscar with the first movie screenplay probably means that I have used all my luck," with a relaxed laugh.

When asked the impression of the award presentation, Takita gave out a short answer, "I was not myself on the red carpet, and the whole thing was just amazing," while Motoki made the press laugh when he reveals, "I was trying to catch the glimpse of stars on the red carpet, even after everyone already went in.  I saw Sean Penn, I passed by Meryl Streep and Natalie Portman, I smelled Sarah Jessica Parker's perfume, and I saw Penelope Cruz talking on the cell phone on my way back from the bath room.  Oh, and by the way, I met Vanessa Hudgens at the beginning of the red carpet, and I shook hands with her, saying that my daughter is her fan."

Everyone agreed that Oscar statue is "heavier than expected".  As for who to keep the Oscar, Takita declared, "I signed the agreement that I would not sell the Oscar, so I will keep it.  I will pass it around among staff, one week per person."

At last, Motoki closed the conference with a comment about the winning factor, "U.S. distributor told me that Academy prefers live action.  (The top contender "Walts with Bashir" is animation.)  They also said that this film gives a positive feeling of salvation"

Michi

P.S.  From MSN Sankei, Takita said, "past Japanese film nominees are mostly period/samurai films.  I am quite happy that modern drama is accepted as well."

"Departures" the first Oscar crown for Japanese live action film

A quick report - "Departures" just won the Oscar Foreign Language Film category.  It is the first win for a Japanese film in this category since the category was established in the current form.  (Miyazaki animation "Spirited Away" won the animation award several years ago, and three Japanese films were awarded "Special Award" in 1950's.)

See this Nov. entry for more details about the film.

Director Yojiro Takita, Masahiro Motoki, Ryoko Hirosue and Kimiko Yo appeared on the stage to accept the award.  Below photo is from the press conference before the Award show.

Courtesy of Hollywood Newswire - photo by Megumi Torii / www.HollywoodNewsWire.net

I am not an expert on films, and I have not seen any other nominated works in this category, so the following is a simple comment of a lay person.  I like "Departures" because it combines a good amount of humor and lightness with deeper theme of "life and death", rather than darker films on war or terrorism or poverty, which are often considered "higher class" in film circle.  While those are important subjects and people have to be aware of them, I want to be entertained when I watch a movie.  I am already full of stress in the real life every day, so I need a stress relief in the movies. 

And these days, Hollywood films seem to be polarized, between "good but heavy" movies and "entertaining but no brain" movies.  I have been hoping that Hollywood goes back to the days of "Rain Man" and "Forrest Gump", and I am seeing some good signs this year.

Oh, and I should not forget this one.  Another Japanese movie producer, Kunio Kato won another Oscar for "Tsumiki no Ie" in short animation film category.  Tonight produced two Japanese Oscar directors.

Source:  www.HollywoodNewsWire.net

Michi

"Departures" team in a "dream come true" right before the Red Carpet

According to Izumi Hasegawa's interview in a L.A. hotel right before their "departure" for the Oscar event, the attending members from the film team talked about their "dream come true" moment, before their judgement time of foreign language film category.

Director Yojiro Takita: "I never even dreamed of coming to this event, so I feel I am in a dream.  It will be the once in a lifetime experience, so I will enjoy both the dream and the reality."  "I want to have opportunity to talk to other film directors."

Main role actor Masahiro Motoki (in black tux): "I still cannot believe it is the reality.  My head is a bit dizzy, but I want to remember this moment in my skin for the lifetime."  "I want to feel the aura of the Hollywood stars, so I will speak to anyone as much as I can like a fan."

Main role actress Ryoko Hirosue (in earth-color siffon dress): "I am so excited.  I still have not been there yet, but even last night at a reception, I could feel that people like our movie, so it is enough to make me happy.  I will enjoy the night with the happy feeling."

Supporting actress Kimiko Yo (in black dress):  "I feel like I play a role of waking down the red carpet, like I am in the air.  I am so excited."  "Just this situation makes me feel almost crazy.  I may go over the limit and may not be able to stop holding onto someone.  I am not sure how I will act.  I really want to meet Mickey Rouke.  I want to meet many people."

Source:  www.HollywoodNewsWire.net

Michi

"Departures" sweeps Japan Academy, and awaits for the U.S. Academy tomorrow

Friday before the U.S. Academy Awards presentation, Japanese Academy was announced, and as was expected, "Departures" stole the show, winning 9 out of 14 main categories.

"Departures" won:  Best Film, Best Director (Yojiro Takita), Best Actor (Masahiro Motoki), Best Supporting Actor (Tsutomu Yamazaki), Best Supporting Actress (Kimiko Yo), Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Lighting Direction, Best Sound Recording, Best Film Editing

"Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea" won:  Best Animation Film, Best Music

"All Around Us":  Best Actress (Tae Kimura)

"Paco and the Magical Picture Book":  Best Art Direction

In addition to those main categories, "Dark Knight" won Best Foreign Film category, "Dedication of Suspect X" and Kenichi Matsuyama in "Detroit Metal City" won the Popular Awards.

"Departures" team hurried home right after, to pack up and fly to Hollywood, to attend tomorrow's U.S. Oscar presentation.  Let's see how it goes...

Michi

Japan's box office result 2008 released

Eiren released the box office statistics for 2008.

Overall stats

According to this chart, Japanese films overtook the majority share against foreign films again.  The total market is pretty much the same as the previous year, with a slight decline both in the number of moviegoers and the revenue.

And I guess the biggest factor is "Ponyo".  Here is the box office top 10 in Japan in 2008, including both Japanese and foreign films.

1. Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea  15.50 bil. yen
2. Boys Over Flowers the movie  7.75
3. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull  5.71
4. Red Cliff  Part 1    5.05
5. Suspect X  4.92
6. Pokémon GIRATINA & THE SKY WARRIOR  4.8
7. Partners: The Movie  4.44
8. I Am Legend  4.31
9. 20th Century Boys -Chapter 1-  3.95
10. The Magic Hour  3.92

Among foreign films, "Red Cliff" is a Chinese movie, so the only Hollywood hits were "Indy Jones" and "I am Legend".  No wonder.

Thank you, Mr. Texas, for the heads-up.

Michi