Sakuran July 12, 2008

2007, 111 min., 35mm. Directed by Mika Ninagawa. With Anna Tsuchiya, Masanobu Ando and Miho Kanno. NY Premiere.

Official Selection, Berlin Film Festival 2007.

Get with the scandal at the Red Light Party following the July 12 screening.

Sold into the red light district as a young girl during the Edo period, foul-mouthed, spunky Kiyoha climbs the ladder to become the oiran (head courtesan) after failing to escape from the brothel. In her directorial debut, acclaimed young art photographer Mika Ninagawa brings this popular Japanese manga to the screen with lavish and vibrant period costumes and gorgeous candy-colored sets.

$15

Official Website: http://japansociety.org