Shadow of Fire

Amid the scorching aftermath of World War II, Tokyo lies in ruins, and its survivors grapple with unimaginable challenges. In this unforgiving reality, a young war orphan (TSUKAO Oga) sneaks into a local tavern-turned-brothel, where a destitute woman (Shuri) sells her body to make a living. Soon, their interaction ignites a faint glimmer of hope.

They all need to survive, including the small child, by making ends meet. The woman begs the orphan boy not to steal or involve himself in dangerous business, but one day, he decides to follow a vendor (MORIYAMA Mirai) with dark intentions…

Shadow of Fire transcends the war genre, exploring human principles and tragedy under extreme conditions. It marks TSUKAMOTO Shinya’s second feature war film, capturing human emotions with meticulous realism and tension. Acclaimed since his theatrical debut with Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1989), TSUKAMOTO Shinya continues to influence creators worldwide. Shadow of Fire earned the Best Asian Film Award at the 2023 Venice Film Festival, demonstrating its edgy and cinematically stylish storytelling.

欧州では「鉄男」で知られる塚本晋也監督による、2023年のヴェネチア国際映画祭最優秀アジア映画賞受賞作。終戦直後の闇市を舞台に、半壊した居酒屋で体を売って生計を立てる女性と戦争孤児の少年、そしてトラウマを抱える帰還兵の姿を描く。作品自体は終戦記念企画で製作されたものの、世界情勢の悪化でリアルな反戦作品となり評価を受けた。

(Special thanks to Eikoku News Digest)