The Friends
113 minutes | 1994 | Japan | Drama | Japanese
SYNOPSIS
A delightful and moving coming-of-age story. One summer, three young boys take an increasing interest in an eccentric old man who lives alone in a house surrounded by an overgrown garden. The boys form a bond with the recluse and set about weeding and replanting the garden.
SCHEDULE
Sun, 29 Nov 2026 | 10:00 | EMPIRE XXI | STUDIO 2
CREDIT
| Production Company | mk2 films |
| Producer | Hiroyuki Fujikado |
| Director | Shinji Sōmai |
| Scriptwriter | Yōzō Tanaka |
| Cinematographer | Noboru Shinoda |
| Production Designer | - |
| Editor | Yoshiyuki Okuhara |
| Main Cast | Rentaro Mikuni |
| Director’s Filmography |
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| Notable Achievement | - |
| Contact | intlfest@mk2.com |
DIRECTOR'S BIOGRAPHY
Shinji Sōmai
Born January 13, 1948, in Morioka, Japan, he joined Nikkatsu Studios as an assistant director before becoming freelance in 1976. After working with renowned directors, he made his directorial debut with Tonda Couple (1980). His next film, Sailor Suit and Machine Gun (1981), became Japan’s top domestic box-office hit. He directed 13 feature films and a documentary, known for discovering new talent and his distinctive long-take style.
