Fantastic! I have been dying to see this film on the big screen… Japanese photographer Mika Ninagawa’s directorial debut is a refreshingly different, bold and brash take on the enduringly popular ‘geisha’ genre. As refined and delicate as the traditional image of a Japanese courtesan may be, Sakuran is here to explode it! The film is based on a manga series created by Moyoco Anna about a feisty girl called Kiyoha who, quite literally, fights her way to the top. The story, teamed with Ninagawa’s trademark vivid colours and images, makes for a satisfying, sensory viewing experience.

The film plays at 6.15pm every evening (except Wednesday the 17th), with a 1.45pm show on Saturday and Sunday. You can book your tickets on-line at the ICA’s website. £8 / £7 concessions / £6 ICA members.

dying to see – (idiomイディオム) literally: 見るべき死ぬこと , but meaning 熱望した見ること
directorial debut – 監督上のデビュー
refreshingly –爽快に
brash – 性急
enduringly – 耐えること
explode – 爆発しなさい
feisty – おこりっぽい
literally – 文字通り
trademark –商標
sensory – 感覚

(image by ark on Flickr)

Children all around the world have grown up with the groundbreaking and iconic animations of Osamu Tezuka, the creator of Astro Boy (or 鉄腕アトム Tetsuwan Atomu, literally meaning "Mighty Atom"). Astro Boy originated in the 1950’s and the popular character has since enjoyed enduring fame. Spawning dozens of films, the prolific work of Tezuka will celebrated at the Barbican to mark the 80th anniversary of his birth. An exhibition of films and drawings by the ‘God of Manga’ will run from the 18th to the 24th of September at the Barbican.

creator –創作者
literally –文字通り
enduring –耐えること
spawning – 産むこと
prolific –多産
exhibition –展覧会