A Story of Hope as "Beginners" Forge Their Own Paths

Mike Mills is a world-renowned artist who has excelled in various fields, including graphic design, music videos, and TV commercials. His feature directorial debut, "Thumbsucker" (2005), garnered significant acclaim, with its lead actor Lou Taylor Pucci winning the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the Berlin International Film Festival and the Special Jury Prize for Acting at the Sundance Film Festival, while Mike Mills himself received the Guardian Award for New Directors at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Given this, it's impossible not to pay attention to Mills' latest work. Furthermore, Natalie Portman, one of the jurors, lauded the film at the Gotham Awards ceremony, a ceremony considered crucial as the first major event in the Academy Awards race, describing it as "a film that, while tackling grand themes of love, death, relationships, and family, possesses a playful spirit and is depicted with a wonderfully personal perspective." This praise alone conveys its charm.

"I'm gay. From now on, I want to enjoy life in its true sense."

The story itself is quite striking. Oliver (Ewan McGregor), the protagonist, receives a sudden announcement from his father, Hal (Christopher Plummer), five years after his mother's passing, revealing that Hal has been diagnosed with cancer. This is followed by Hal's shocking coming out as gay. Hal, originally a strict and old-fashioned man, begins to embrace a youthful fashion sense, attends parties and exercise classes, and even finds a young lover, embarking on a new chapter of his life.

Oliver, at 38, remains unmarried. His friends are his work and his dog. Perhaps due to his naturally timid disposition, he cannot hide his bewilderment at his father's coming out. This emotional turmoil leads to the worst possible outcome: he himself brings an end to his budding romance with Anna (Mélanie Laurent), the woman he believes to be his soulmate.


However, the five years during which his father lived as a gay man until his "final moments" were filled with so much love and happiness that they overshadowed Oliver's confusion. This was because he finally understood his father's last lesson: that living honestly according to one's feelings and living with someone you love are the most important things in life.

"What is truly important to me?"──"I am taking the first step at 38 that my father took at 75."──.
Regarding this film, Mike Mills stated, "Through my father's life, I wanted to express breaking out of one's shell and living with someone." He began writing the script just five months after his father's death. While the subject matter is an extremely personal story, it offers a hopeful narrative that inspires courage in everyone who struggles with love and opportunities in life.


The film stars Ewan McGregor, whose acting was highly praised in "The Ghost Writer" in recent years; Christopher Plummer, who delivers a lively and humorous performance; and Mélanie Laurent, whose endearing expressions captivate everyone. And let's not forget Cosmo, the dog, who gives a superb performance. This ensemble cast, who all supported the project, brings the film to life.

A Special Screening for OPENERS Readers on January 17th!

And here's some good news for OPENERS readers. A special screening event, inviting 50 pairs of readers (100 people), will be held on January 17, 2012. Moreover, after the film screening, a special talk event will feature Masayuki Kawakatsu and Hitoshi Okamoto! Both have personal connections with director Mike Mills, offering a chance to see the highly anticipated film early and gain valuable insights.


To apply for the screening, please email phantom-film (info@phantom-film.com). (Subject: Application for "Beginners" Special Screening, Name, Gender, Age, Email Address. Please send by Friday, January 6, 2012.)


Don't miss this opportunity to experience a story that paves the way for hope in life.

Special Screening of "Beginners"

Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Time: Doors open 6:30 PM, Screening 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM, Talk Event 8:50 PM - 9:20 PM

Venue: Cinemart Roppongi Screening Room

3-8-15 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Cinemart Roppongi

3-minute walk from Roppongi Station (Exit 5 on the Oedo Line / Exit 3 on the Hibiya Line)

Talk Event Guests


Masayuki KAWAKATSU

Born in Fukuoka City in 1956. An editor active in the world of pop culture, crossing genres such as film, music, and art. His major works include "Pop Addict of the 21st Century" and "Punk on the Hill - The Half-Life of Hiroshi Fujiwara, Who Edits the Era." He also served as creative director for the 40th anniversary lyricist Tak Matsumoto CD BOX "Shin Kazemachi Zu." He has edited numerous film pamphlets, including those for Woody Allen's "Hollywood Ending" and David Lynch's "Inland Empire."

Official Website: http://kawakatsupro.com/




Hitoshi OKAMOTO

After working on magazines such as "Brutus," "Relax," and "Ku:nel" at Magazine House, he joined Landscape Products in 2009, where he is involved in editing and planning. His friendship with Mike Mills began when he commissioned Mills to create a cover for "Relax," where he served as editor-in-chief, and they have since collaborated on articles and interviews for various magazines. He recently visited Mills' mountain cabin for a "Casa Brutus" feature.

Official Website: http://www.landscape-products.net/

"Beginners"


A Top Contender for This Year's Academy Awards®

Nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 69th Golden Globe Awards



Winner of Best Supporting Actor at the National Board of Review Awards; Nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Screen Actors Guild Awards; Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor at the Independent Spirit Awards; Winner of Best Picture and Best Ensemble Cast at the Gotham Independent Film Awards