MOVIE | "Karateka", a road movie set against the rich nature and culture of Okinawa.

MOVIE | Wins Two Awards at Montreal Film Festival

‘Karakara’: A Road Movie Set Against Okinawa’s Rich Nature and Culture

‘Karakara,’ a road movie about two people of different nationalities and ages traveling through Okinawa’s rich nature and culture, will have its advance screening starting Saturday, January 12, 2013, at Okinawa Cinema Q, followed by a nationwide release on Saturday, January 19, at Shinjuku Piccadilly and other theaters. In anticipation of the release, OPENERS is offering an invitation to a preview screening on Friday, January 11, from 6:30 PM, for five pairs of winners.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

International Actress Yuki Kudo and Canadian Actor Gabriel Arcand Portray the Nuances of Adult Hearts

‘Karakara’ triumphantly won both the “World Vision Award” and the “Audience Award” at this year’s Montreal World Film Festival. Directed by Claude Gagnon, a Canadian known for works set in Japan such as ‘Keiko’ and ‘KAMATAKI,’ the film is a human drama, deeply rooted in his affection for Okinawa, that resonates with all viewers.

Yuki Kudo, who commands attention in a diverse range of films from blockbusters like ‘SAYURI’ and ‘Rush Hour 3’ to works by Shinji Somai and Jim Jarmusch, plays Junko, a housewife. Pierre is portrayed by the acclaimed Canadian actor Gabriel Arcand, a two-time winner of the Genie Awards (Canada’s Academy Awards), primarily known for his work in French-Canadian cinema. Arcand delivers a mature performance, delicately capturing the subtle emotions of adult hearts.

The film also features Bin Taira, a Living National Treasure in Bashofu weaving, playing herself. The soundtrack features Yukito Arima, a leading figure in Okinawa’s contemporary music scene from Ishigaki Island.

Gabriel Arcand

Yuki Kudo

A Journey for Two with Vastly Different Circumstances and Personalities

Pierre (Gabriel Arcand), a former university professor, visits Okinawa for a Qigong workshop and intends to spend his remaining week traveling freely. He meets Junko (Yuki Kudo), a housewife who helps him when he gets lost in Naha, and they hit it off.

What was supposed to end as a “travel memory” takes an unexpected turn when Junko, having run away from home after a major argument with her husband, declares she will join Pierre on his journey. Thus begins a turbulent adventure for two individuals with completely different backgrounds and personalities.

Pierre, facing the crossroads of his second life after losing a close friend to cancer, and Junko, beginning to question her marriage. An unusual friendship gradually blossoms between them.—.

The film ‘Karakara’ takes its name from the sound made by an awamori sake vessel when empty. It is a road movie that “fills the hearts” of adults navigating life’s uncertainties.

‘Karakara’
Win a Preview Screening for Five Pairs of Winners!

Date | Friday, January 11, 2013

Time | Doors Open 6:00 PM, Screening Starts 6:30 PM

Venue | Cinemart Roppongi

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

Application Deadline | Friday, December 21 (Until 10:00 AM)

Applications are now closed.

Thank you for your many applications.

*Winners will be notified via email.

Winners, please reply with the subject line unchanged and all necessary information included.

Please note that failure to reply by the deadline will result in disqualification.

‘Karakara’

Advance screening at Okinawa Cinema Q starting Saturday, January 12, 2013, followed by a nationwide release at Shinjuku Piccadilly and other theaters starting Saturday, January 19!

Director & Screenplay | Claude Gagnon

Starring | Gabriel Arcand, Yuki Kudo, Megumi Tomita, Yuichi Atta

Distribution | Kukuruvision, Bitters End

2012 / Japan-Canada Co-Production / 104 min

© 2012 KARAKARA PARTNERS & ZUNO FILMS