Yamada Yoji and Lee Sang-il Share Cinematic Wisdom at Tokyo Film Festival
Tokyo, October 2023—The 36th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) hosted an unforgettable dialogue between Japanese cinema icon Yamada Yoji (Tora-san, The Twilight Samurai) and Korean-Japanese director Lee Sang-il (Hula Girls, Unforgiven). Titled “Beyond Borders: A Dialogue on Cinematic Legacy,” their conversation explored artistry, competition, and the evolving future of Japan’s film industry.
A Masterclass in Filmmaking
At 92, Yamada Yoji remains a towering figure in Japanese cinema, while Lee Sang-il represents a bridge between cultures with his cross-border projects. Their exchange was a rare blend of mentorship and mutual admiration.
Yamada Yoji: “Cinema captures the human condition—not just stories.”
Lee Sang-il: “Great films transcend language; they explore identity and belonging.”
Balancing Art and Commercial Success
Both directors acknowledged the tension between creative vision and box-office demands. Yamada, whose Tora-san series became a cultural phenomenon, stressed the importance of studio trust. Lee, who remade Unforgiven for Japanese audiences, reflected on the risks of adaptation:
“Rivalry—with others or your past work—can fuel creativity.”
The Future of Japanese Cinema
Despite challenges like streaming and declining theater attendance, both filmmakers expressed optimism:
– Yamada: “Young talent must experiment; tradition shouldn’t mean stagnation.”
– Lee: “Asian cinema is thriving globally (Parasite, Drive My Car). Japan must innovate to lead.”
Rivalry and Mutual Respect
Lee openly admired Yamada’s The Twilight Samurai, calling it a turning point in his approach to period dramas. Yamada, in turn, joked about learning from Lee’s work—a moment of warmth that highlighted their camaraderie.
Key Takeaways
- Yamada: “Tell stories that matter, even if they’re unpopular.”
- Lee: “Diverse voices are cinema’s lifeblood.”
The session underscored film’s power to unite across borders, leaving audiences inspired for the future of Asian cinema.
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