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April 15, 2015
MOVIE | The Tribe: A Shocking Ukrainian Film Told Entirely in Sign Language
MOVIE | Winner of the Grand Prix Nespresso at the Critics' Week and numerous other awards at the Cannes Film Festival
The Shocking Ukrainian Film 'The Tribe,' Told Entirely in Sign Language
Miroslav Slaboshpitsky, a rising Ukrainian director, presents 'The Tribe,' a film shot entirely in sign language, eschewing dialogue, music, and even subtitles. The film opens on Saturday, April 18, at Eurospace, Shinjuku Cinema Qualité, and other theaters nationwide.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Director Miroslav Slaboshpitsky Makes His Feature Debut
Set in a boarding school for the deaf, 'The Tribe' depicts the impulses of its young protagonists. Featuring an entirely deaf cast and told exclusively through sign language, this unprecedented film has arrived.
The film marks the feature debut of Ukrainian director Miroslav Slaboshpitsky. In 2014, it garnered significant attention by winning the Grand Prix Nespresso at the Cannes Film Festival's Critics' Week, along with two other awards, and has since collected over 30 accolades at film festivals worldwide.
The cast, including the lead roles, is entirely composed of deaf actors. Their portrayal of the youths' anger, joy, sorrow, love, and impulses—expressed not through sound, but through sign language, body movement, and facial expressions—delivers an unparalleled impact to the viewer.
Sergei Falls for the Leader's Mistress
Sergei enrolls in a boarding school for the deaf. There, a hierarchy is established by a criminal organization involved in illegal activities and prostitution—the 'Tribe.' Upon arrival, Sergei is immediately subjected to their initiation.
As Sergei becomes involved in their crimes, he gradually rises within the organization. He falls in love with Anna, the leader's mistress, who is saving money through prostitution to fund her move to Italy. Driven by his desire for Anna, Sergei breaks the organization's taboos, swept away by a torrent of uncontrollable passion.
The narrative unfolds solely through gestures, expressions, and gazes, without any exposition of character backgrounds or psychological explanations. Yet, this profoundly stimulates the viewer's imagination. Before long, we find ourselves understanding their conversations, deeply moved by the unfolding drama.
The Tribe
Opening Saturday, April 18, at Eurospace, Shinjuku Cinema Qualité, and other theaters nationwide.
Director & Screenplay | Miroslav Slaboshpitsky
Starring | Grigoriy Fesenko, Yana Novikova
Distribution | Astro Entertainment, Mimosa Films
2014 | Ukraine | 132 min | R18+
http://thetribe.jp
© GARMATA FILM PRODUCTION LLC, 2014 © UKRAINIAN STATE FILM AGENCY, 2014