(2002/12/30)

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan and the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Iwanami Cinema, the Chinese-made film Thatched House was shown at the Iwanami Cinema starting from December 21, 2002. It was the second Chinese-made film shown at the cinema following the successful screening of the Chinese film That Mountain, That Man and That Dog in 2001.

The Iwanami Cinema has been keen on Sino-Japanese cultural and film exchanges over the years. In 1988, it showed for the first time the Chinese film Hibiscus Town directed by Xie Jin, causing a sensation in Japan. In the 90s, it showed The Ringing Bells of Qingliang Temple and The Opium War, both directed by Xie. In the 21st century, the first Chinese film it showed That Mountain, That Man and That Dog won a great success with admissions to the cinema and economic returns both topped the records in 35 years.

The film Thatched House was shot by Nanjing Film Studio in1999, which was awarded the most excellent work prize and screenplay prize in the 1999 Golden Rooster prize award.

The film, according to analysis by Japanese film reviewers and those who take a liking for Chinese films, is likely to make a stir among the audience. It is also the intention of Iwanami cinema to raise a Chinese film heat by showing Chinese-made films in the cinema.

By He Jing