TOKYO -- The 37th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), one of Asia's premier film festivals, took place from late October to early November. Beyond its competition section, highlights included an inaugural Centerpiece screening of a Hollywood blockbuster and the introduction of a new "women's empowerment" category. The Mainichi reflects on the glamorous event, which welcomed prominent actors and directors from Japan and beyond.

"Film is a universal language that unites people across borders," said Japanese actor Rinko Kikuchi, who served as the event's "navigator," during the Oct. 28 opening ceremony. "Film changed my life. It has given me the opportunity to watch and experience the lives of different characters. Each time I leave the theater, I feel more inspired for tomorrow. I would like to share messages of hope through the films."

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also delivered a video message during the opening ceremony, pointing out that Japan's content industry has an export scale comparable to that of the steel and semiconductor industries. "The government is working to lay the groundwork to further encourage the development of the Japanese content industry by supporting the growth of the next generation of creators and optimizing business transactions," he said.

Adding a unique touch to the event, virtual singer KAF appeared on-screen and served as the emcee.

Samurai drama depicts absurdity of discarding lives of the weak

The festival's opening film was "11 Rebels," an action-packed Japanese samurai period drama directed by Kazuya Shiraishi. Based on an unproduced script by the late Kazuo Kasahara, renowned for "Battles Without Honor and Humanity," the film is staged during the Boshin War, a late-19th-century civil war. It follows a group of prisoners tasked with a deadly mission by the Shibata domain of modern-day Niigata Prefecture. The film, which has a complex plot of political intrigue and betrayal, captivates viewers through its powerful action scenes and the courage of characters who risk their lives to resist unreasonable treatment from those in power.

Shiraishi said of the film, "The strength of period dramas is that they can directly portray the absurdity of how lives of the weak are discarded." The film is heartbreaking, transcending its historical setting.

Takayuki Yamada, who stars in the film, commented at the ceremony, "Although the story is set in the distant past, our thoughts and behavior today aren't so different. Depending on your perspective, the characters may appear to be evil, but ultimately, they are striving to do what's best for themselves and those around them. Viewed in the context of the lives of yourselves and people around you, I believe the characters can resonate."

Hollywood stars interact with fans

The Centerpiece screening marked a historic first for TIFF. The slot was created exclusively for Hollywood blockbuster "Gladiator II," directed by master filmmaker Ridley Scott, for its Asian premiere. The story presents a new chapter of the saga, set more than a decade after the original 2000 film "Gladiator," which won five Academy Awards including best actor for Russell Crowe and best picture.

The story follows Lucius, the son of the previous film's protagonist, who becomes a gladiator driven by a desire for revenge after his wife is killed during a Roman army invasion.

Lead actor Paul Mescal joined co-stars Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Fred Hechinger in a press conference with a select group of fans.

Nielsen, the only returning cast member from the previous film, praised Scott's ability to subtly yet powerfully depict the transformation of Rome. She noted that advancement in technology had finally enabled the director to realize his vision. "He was enjoying every moment of making the visuals come alive for the audience," she said.

Mescal added that the battle scenes have been elevated to a new level, stating, "There's no better director for focusing on an audience's sense of entertainment than Ridley Scott."

Heckinger, visiting Japan for the first time, shared his admiration for legendary filmmakers Yasujiro Ozu and Akira Kurosawa, while expressing his excitement for being in Tokyo, a city he had seen in films. "I've always wanted to visit Japan. It's such an honor to be here," he said.

Washington was received with an especially enthusiastic welcome from fans who had long anticipated his visit -- the first in 11 years.

At the news conference, numerous fans raised their hands for questions. One woman, selected by Washington stated, "I saw the recently released 4K digitally remastered version of the first film in the theater. It moved me more than when I saw it 24 years ago, and I was held motionless when the movie ended."

Tony Leung praises Japanese black-and-white cinematography

At the closing ceremony on Nov. 6, the Japanese film "Teki Cometh" was revealed to be the winner of three major prizes: the Tokyo Grand Prix, best director for Daihachi Yoshida and best actor for Kyozo Nagatsuka. The black-and-white film tells the story of a former university professor living alone, who becomes obsessed with the delusion that an enemy, or "teki," is coming for him.

Hong Kong actor Tony Leung, the president of TIFF's International Competition Jury, lauded the movie for its "mature, elegant but also fresh and surprising cinema language." He commented, "We were all deeply touched by a film which spoke with daring sincerity, deep wisdom and with a ferociously great sense of humor about such essential questions of life that we all struggle with, but avoid speaking about." He also heralded Nagatsuka's performance, saying, "From the moment he stepped onto the screen, he captivated us with his depth and authenticity."

At a press conference, Yoshida expressed satisfaction, saying, "I want people to come to see the actors in my films. I feel that I have achieved my desire by capturing the best actor award." He revealed that the film was shot in black-and-white because that was appropriate for the stoic life of the protagonist living in an old Japanese house. "It helps the audience use more imagination and gives a more immersive experience," he said.

Nagatsuka, reflecting on his award-winning role, said, "This is the story of a man who is old, alone with no help, and becomes trapped among enemies." Expressing gratitude for the award, he quipped, "I was encouraged to realize that I have some allies."

(This is part one of a two-part series.)

(By Yuko Murase, The Mainichi Staff Writer)