“Engrossing. The film explores (Japan’s) legacy of militaristic nationalism, illuminating both the noble customs
and brutality entwined at its heart… A haunting meditation on the power and ambiguity of the past.
The film can be thought of as a counter-monument, standing alongside and in opposition to its serene and monstrous namesake.”
– A. O. Scott, The New York Times
Click here to read A.O. Scott’s full review from The New York Times

“Critics’ Pick. Terrific!”
– Time Out New York

“Li articulates, spins and weaves reality to extract the kind of truth found in great novels.
YASUKUNI [is] an exploration of the slippery nature of history, tradition and memory.”
– Olaf Möller, Film Comment

“Li's controversial and critically acclaimed documentary... bravely explores the different meanings of the monument.
Li tells a complex tale subtly and thoughtfully... Masterfully weaves elegant footage of (sword craftsman)
Kariya working on his art with other gritty news footage and old photographs.
Li's desire to understand the Japanese point of view comes across clearly, as does his deep respect for Kariya.”
– Alexandra A. Seno, The New York Times


– Keith Uhlich, Time Out New York

“A fascinating portrait of the dark side of Japanese society.
Not so much about Japan’s shrine to its war dead as it is an indictment of Japan’s wartime aggression.“
– Maria Garcia, Film Journal International

“Stunning, never flinching… visuals are breathtaking.” – John Anderson, Variety

When Japan’s Prime Minister Koizumi insisted that his visits to the Yasukuni shrine were a purely personal matter, he unleashed an international furor. Established in 1869, the shrine houses 2.5 million Japanese war dead including WWII “class A war criminals,” among them General Tojo and others sentenced to death at the Tokyo Trial (Japan’s Nuremberg). Visitors to Yasukuni include still-militant Japanese nationalists as well as outraged protesters from China, Taiwan, Korea, and Okinawa. Chinese filmmaker Li Ying doesn’t pull his punches. He includes archival images of a “100-man beheading contest” between Japanese officers as well as a fascinating contemporary interview with a 90-year-old craftsman who continues to forge Yasukuni swords, used in these and other atrocities. Our premiere of YASUKUNI is timed to coincide with the 64th anniversary of the end of WWII on August 15.

• Click here for breaking news about the Yasukuni shrine in The Los Angeles Times.
• Click here to read Olaf Möller’s article about YASUKUNI from Film Comment.

JAPAN / CHINA • 2008 • 123 MINS.
IN JAPANESE WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
FILMSOURCE INFORMATION