“The phimmatxaLight Shines Only There” (Soko Nomi nite Hikari Kagayaku), Japan’s official foreign-language film submission for the 87thAcademy Awards, will be screened on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Japan Foundation L.A. Auditorium, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 100, Los Angeles.
Directed by Mipo O, the 2014 film is about Tatsuo (Go Ayano), who is depressed after an incident, has given up working and is idling his life away. One day at a pachinko parlor, he gets to know a coarse but friendly young man, Takuji (Masaki Suda), when he gives him a disposable lighter. Tatsuo accepts Takuji’s invitation and follows him home, which turns out to be a rundown, isolated house.
It is here that Tatsuo meets Takuji’s older sister, Chinatsu (Chizuru Ikewaki). They feel a quick mutual attraction and become close, but Chinatsu’s life is difficult as she struggles to support her family. Even so, Tatsuo remains steadfast in his love for Chinatsu, and his unwavering feelings begin to sway her.
Since finding a connection with Chinatsu, Tatsuo’s reality quietly begins to regain its color and he rediscovers his ambitions in the world, which he had almost lost. But there will be more tests to come.
JFLA provides high-quality Japanese film screenings every second and fourth Wednesday. All movies are in Japanese with English subtitles. Admission is free and reservations are not required.
For more information, call (323) 761-7510 or visit www.jflalc.org.