CHICAGO – There is no better time to take in a stage play that is based in U.S. history, depicting the battle between fact and religion. The old theater chestnut – first mounted in 1955 – is “Inherit the Wind,” now at the Goodman Theatre, completing it’s short run through October 20th. For tickets and more information, click INHERIT.
Film News: Asian Pop-Up Cinema Presents ‘I Am a Monk’ in Chicago on May 4, 2016
CHICAGO – The Asian Pop-Up Cinema Series, spotlighting a variety of diverse Asian films, continues its 2016 season with the film, “I Am a Monk,” directed by Yukinori Makabe. Makabe-san will make an appearance at the screening, beginning at 7:30pm on Wednesday, March 16th, 2016, at the AMC River East Theater in Chicago.
’I Am a Monk,’ Directed by Yukinori Makabe
Photo credit: AsianPopUpCinema.org
“I Am a Monk” (Buku wa Bosan) is an incredibly beautiful and spiritually moving film, based on a “true account.” It involves a newly minted monk named Susumu (Atsushi Ito) who is thrust into the leadership role at a prominent Japanese Buddhist temple, when his beloved grandfather – the longtime Abbot of the temple – passes away. Susumu struggles with his new role, until he finds his footing through old friends, the counsel of an elder and his own connective instincts. The film is a meditation on spirituality in the face of the difficulties of life, and features philosophies that bring comfort and joy. This is director Yukinori Makabe’s first feature film, and it has echoes of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
The Asian Pop-Up Cinema series is a revolving showcase of diverse Asian films, highlighting Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean offerings with English subtitles. Screenings occur at the AMC River East 21 in downtown Chicago and at the Wilmette Theater in Wilmette, Illinois. For full schedule of the 2016 season, click here.
By PATRICK McDONALD |