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鼠小僧次郎吉 (Nezumikozō Jirokichi) 2023

In the shadowy alleys of Edo, folk hero Nezumikozō Jirokichi, known as the Rat, steals from wealthy elites to aid the poor. When Orin, a widowed mother with personal ties to Jirokichi, is threatened by ruthless yakuza determined to uncover his true identity, the Rat responds with his trademark wit and flair. Unfazed by the bounty on his head, Jirokichi boldly confronts his enemies, becoming a living symbol of defiance and hope for the local townspeople.

Based on the lost film by legendary 1930s director Sadao Yamanaka, this 23‑minute animated short is an homage to silent-­era filmmaking brought to life by renowned anime director, Rintarō (Metropolis 2001). Known for his humanist directorial approach, Yamanaka remains a pivotal figure in Japanese cinema, despite his promising career being tragically cut short, when he died at just 28. This rollicking adaptation is a tribute to his vision, blending traditional storytelling formats like benshi narration and silent film intertitles with noir-style visuals and modern animation. With stirring music by Toshiyuki Honda and exquisite character designs by Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira 1988) and Yoshinori Kanemori (Pluto 2023), the vibrant streets of Edo burst to life in this dynamic France-Japan co-production.

23 minutes | All Ages

河内山宗俊 (Priest of Darkness) 1936

In a smoky gambling den nestled within Edo’s backstreets, the petty theft of a samurai knife sparks a spiralling chain of betrayal, greed and sacrifice. Adapted from Kawatake Mokuami’s kabuki play, Priest of Darkness follows Kōchiyama, who whiles away his days gambling, and the wandering rōnin Kaneko. The two become entangled in the misfortunes of Hirotarō, a reckless young man desperate to escape poverty with his courtesan lover. But when Hirotarō’s quiet yet resolute sister Onami is faced with the threat of being sold to settle his debts, Kōchiyama—who is no stranger to shady deals—risks everything to save her.

Director Yamanaka’s film walks a delicate line between comedy and fatalism, revealing a society where the kind and vulnerable are exploited by those in power. Sharp in satire yet rich in pathos, Priest of Darkness unravels illusions of honour and redemption, offering a portrait of Edo life that is as harsh as it is compassionate.

82 minutes | All Ages | Contains mild themes of prostitution, suicide and gambling, mild violence, mild coarse language