The Japan Foundation Toronto brings four free films to The Royal Cinema in December

by Chris MaGee

Looks like the folks at the Toronto office of The Japan Foundation have a Christmas present for all the Japanese film fans here in our hometown. From December 8th to 10th the Japan Foundation will be holding free screenings of four popular films at The Royal Cinema (608 College Street).

Like historical epics? Then you'll want to catch "Mt. Tsurugidake (The Summit: A Chronicle of Stones)" on Saturday, December 10th at 2:45PM, directed by Daisaku Kimura. This film tells the true-life story of the 1907 exploration of the 2,999 metre tall peak in Toyama Prefecture, and boats an all star cast including Tadanobu Asano, Aoi Miyazaki, Koji Yakusho, Ryuhei Matsuda and Teruyuki Kagawa.

Like your history with a little more of a nostalgic bent? Director Takashi Yamazaki has what you need with "Always Sunset on 3rd St. 2" on Saturday, December 10th at 6:00PM, the sequel to his blockbuster family-friendly drama. Set during the post-war 1950's the film follows the lives of the Suzuki family and their Tokyo neighbours, and stars Shin'ichi Hatori,Maki Horikita and Kazuki Koshimizu.

How about musical drama? Then you won't want to miss Koji Hagiuda's under-appreciated 2007 film "Shindo (Prodigy)" on Thursday, December 8th at 7:00PM. The film, about the lives of two teenage classical piano prodigies, features a pair of amazing performances by Ken'ichi Matsuyama and Riko Narumi.

Maybe you like you musical films with a few more laughs? Then you will absolutely not want to miss one of the best and most funny feel good comedies of the past decade, Nobuhiro Yamashita's "Linda, Linda, Linda on Friday, December 9th at 7:00PM. The film stars Korean actress Bae Doona as the leader of a group of high school girls who form a rock band and attempt to learn 80's pop punk group The Blue Hearts' hit song "Linda, Linda".

All you need to do to attend one or all of these films is simply head to the The Royal Cinema, walk in and enjoy. Remember, these are FREE SCREENINGS! For more details on this great event head to The Japan Foundation Toronto website here.