“Shirayukihime Satsujin Jiken (The Snow White Murder Case),” airs on Tuesday, Mar. 1 at 7:35 p.m.; repeats on Wednesday, Mar. 2, at 8:40 a.m.
Noriko, a beautiful cosmetics company worker was brutally murdered and found burnt to a crisp in the woods of a national park. Soon, a tabloid television program is broadcast featuring interviews with various people including co-workers, family members and former classmates. Rumors pointing Miki, her meek, unassuming and “plain” co-worker, as the prime suspect begin to multiply and spread at a staggering rate thanks to the intense media attention and the rapid sharing of information and gossip on the internet.
“SPEC Movie ~Ketsu~ (Close),” premieres on Friday, Mar. 4, at 7:35 p.m.
The sloppy but brainy Toma, whose left arm hangs in a sling and simple-minded Sebumi, have been battling against many SPEC holders. In the deadly combat with their invincible nemesis Ninomae, the most powerful SPEC holder who can stop time, they emerged victorious and were brought to the hospital barely alive. The SPEC holders embark on a fight for supremacy with the human race. Meanwhile, Nonomura obtains the virus that only infects SPEC holders. Toma fears that her SPEC power will go out of control, that she cannot do her best as a detective if she does not use it, and that she will be exposing her colleagues to danger. She lashes out at Sebumi and requests that he shoot her dead the moment she goes astray. Fully subtitled in English.
“Mystery Hour – Saikyo no Futari,” premieres on Tuesday, Mar. 8, at
7:35 p.m.
Shinonome has returned to the Kyoto Prefectural Police’s First Investigative Division as a specially commissioned detective. Meanwhile, Asako Natsuki, a team leader, has just been assigned to the division. Shinonome and Asako solve the same cases with completely different investigation methods. Shinonome has many information sources that he has cultivated through his years of investigation. Asako has many fans within the police and mobilize these allies, and she makes use of her inexperience in investigations to carry out daring ones. When these two investigation methods overlap, there will never be a typical investigation. Fully subtitled in English.
“Naomi to Kanako,” premieres on Monday, Mar. 21, at 7:35 p.m.
Naomi (Ryoko Hirosue) dreamed of becoming an art curator but currently works in a department store serving VIP clients. Although she has been successful in her career, she feels fed up with her current position. One day, Naomi visits her college friend Kanako and discovers that she has been a victim of domestic violence by her husband Tatsuro. Naomi advises Kanako to divorce Tatsuro, but she is afraid of his reaction and unable to free herself from the situation. Just then, Naomi happens to see a clandestine Chinese who looks exactly like Tatsuro. Naomi soon begins to contrive a perfect scheme to kill Tatsuro. Fully subtitled in English.
“Mondai no Aru Restaurant,” premieres on Wednesday, Mar. 30, at 7:35 p.m.
“A restaurant with many problems” is located in a backstreet of the fashionable Omotesando area. The restaurant was started and run by seven women who have once been labeled as “pathetic” and “failed.” They decide to come together to create a restaurant of their own in order to rise from the absolute lowest point in their lives and get back at those men who made their lives miserable. However, they all come with their own personal “baggage” and completely different personalities, which causes them to clash. Consequently, their restaurant encounters many problems and various challenges, but they are not about to give up that easily. Will they be able to make their restaurant a success? Fully subtitled in English.
NGN 3 MOVIE CHANNEL (Digital Ch. 679)
Premiere titles air on Friday. “Movie of the Month” premieres on the first Saturday. Movies are shown at various times. Check your digital on-screen guide for movie schedules, using either the GUIDE or INFO buttons (up to one week ahead). Or call NGN, Mon.-Fri. from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 538-1966 for inquiries or to request an e-mail of NGN 3 programming information. All movies are in Japanese language with full English subtitles.
PREMIERE TITLES OF THE MONTH
Mar. 4 (7:40 p.m.): “Datsugoku Hiroshima Satsujinshu (The Rapacious Jailbreaker),” 1974 action film, 1 hour and 37 minutes.
Directed by Sadao Nakajima. Starring Hiroki Matsukata and Tatsuo
Umemiya.
Based on a true story about a jailbird who was sentenced for 41 years and escaped for seven times. In 1947, Ueda robs a drug dealer and his woman for morphine and kills them. He gets imprisoned in Hiroshima, but escapes next year. From then on he gets caught and imprisoned over and over.
Mar. 11 (9 p.m.): “Gokuaku Kenpo (The Karate Man and Spy),” 1974 action film, 1 hour and 19 minutes.
Starring Tsunehiko Watase and Tamayo Mitsukawa.
In 1914, in the beginning of the World War I, a lot of spies are being sent to Japan from Germany and Russia. Sakuragi, a famous Karate master, gets hired by a military commander to eliminate spies. Sakuragi heads to Yokohama China Town to hunt a spy leader.
MOVIE OF THE MONTH
Mar. 5 (8 p.m.) “Shirayukihime Satsujin Jiken (The Snow White Murder Case),” 2014 drama, 2 hours and 6 minutes.
Directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura. Starring Mao Inoue and Go Ayano.
Noriko, a beautiful cosmetics company worker, was brutally murdered and found burnt to a crisp in the woods of a national park. Soon, a tabloid television program is broadcast featuring interviews with various people including co-workers, family members and former classmates. Rumors pointing Miki, her meek, unassuming and “plain” co-worker, as the prime suspect begin to multiply and spread at a staggering rate thanks to the intense media attention and the rapid sharing of information and gossip on the internet.
MOVIE SYNOPSIS (in alphabetical order)
“Aka to Kuro no Netsujo (Bloody Passion),” 1992 drama, 1 hour and 48 minutes.
Directed by Eiichi Kudo. Starring Takanori Jinnai, Toru Nakamura, Toshiro Yanagiba and Yumi Aso.
A story about a man who tries to mend his past by helping his best friend’s sister.
“Akoujo Danzetsu (Swords of Vengeance),” 1978 samurai film, 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Directed by Kinji Fukasaku. Starring Kinnosuke Yorozuya, Shinichi Chiba (Sonny Chiba) and Hiroki Matsukata.
A presentation of the classic tale of the 47 ronin. After the unjust execution of their lord, 47 loyal retainers plot their revenge. Their story exemplifies the true meaning of loyalty.
“Asama no Abarenbo (Free Spirit of Asama),” 1959 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 24 minutes.
Directed by Toshikazu Kono. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura and Satomi Oka.
A wanderer Itaro saves the lives of those who are in need of protection while traveling across the country.
“Chiyari Muso (Blooded Spear),” 1959 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Directed by Yasushi Sasaki. Starring Chiezo Kataoka, Hashizo Okawa and Hiromi Hanazono.
While waiting for an opportunity for revenge on his late master’s death, Ako soldier Sugino meets a skilled spear fighter Tawaraboshi Genban who trains him on mastering the art of spear fighting.
“Gokudo vs. Furyo Bancho (Yakuza vs. Gang Leader),” 1974 action film,
1 hour and 34 minutes.
Directed by Kosaku Yamashita. Starring Tomisaburo Wakayama and Tatsuo Umemiya.
Gokudo Shimamura comes to blows with the Delinquent Boss who roles into town with his motorcycle gang.
“Hajimari no Michi (Dawn of a Filmmaker: The Keisuke Kinoshita Story),” 2013 drama, 1 hour and 36 minutes.
Directed by Keiichi Hara. Starring Ryo Kase and Yuko Tanaka.
Based on the life of prolific movie director Keisuke Kinoshita, “Hajimari no Michi” covers various unknown parts of his life.
As a young man, Keisuke carried his mother on a handcart across a mountain. He grew up as a hot-blooded young man and was monitored by the military. He then joined Shochiku Company to eventually become a movie director.
“Hanaichi Monme (Gray Sunset),” 1985 drama, 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Directed by Shunya Ito. Starring Yukiyo Take, Teruhiko Saigo and Minoru Chiaki.
A poignant story about aging and the struggles one family must endure when their patriarch is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
“Hatamoto Taikutsu Otoko (The Idle Vassal Tribute),” 1958 samurai film,
1 hour and 48 minutes.
Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Hashizo Okawa, Kinnosuke Nakamura, Utaemon Ichikawa and Chiyonosuke Azuma.
Master swordsman and loyal vassal, Mondonosuke Saotome, is sent to investigate an intrigue centering on the Date clan. Ichikawa Utaemon’s 300th movie. A must see for all samurai fans featuring Japan’s most celebrated samurai stars!
“Hibari no Hahakoi Guitar (Hibari the Traveling Performer),” 1962 drama, 1 hour and 34 minutes.
Directed by Kiyoshi Saeki. Starring Hibari Misora and Eitaro Shindo.
Kimie, a traveling guitarist, performs at various inns at help out her sickly mother. One night while out with her mother, Otoshi, Kimie unexpectedly sees her father, who had abandoned the family 20 years ago. Her hopes for a happy reunion are quickly dashed as her father, having married into a wealthy family, wants nothing to do with her. Will Kimie be able to regain her father’s love?
“Isshin Tasuke Tenka no Ichidaiji (Isshin Tasuke: A World In Danger),” 1958 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Directed by Tadashi Sawashima. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura, Ryunosuke Tsukigata and Isao Yamagata.
A simple fishmonger, Tasuke, takes it upon himself to expose corrupt officials.
“Jingi Naki Tatakai Hiroshima Shito-hen (Battles Without Honor and
Humanity: Deadly Fight in Hiroshima),” 1973 action film, 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Directed by Kinji Fukasaku. Starring Bunta Sugawara and Kinya Kitaoji.
The second film in the five-part series of the famous “Jingi Naki Tatakai.” In 1950 Hiroshima City, Shoji Yamanaka is involved in a fight over cheating in a card game and stabs several men. He is sentenced to two years in prison, where he befriends Shozo Hirono (Bunta Sugawara).
“Jinsei Gekijo Zoku Hishakaku (Life of Hishakaku 2),” 1963 drama, 1 hour and 37 minutes
Directed by Tadashi Sawashima. Starring Koji Tsuruta, Tatsuo Umemiya, Yoshiko Sakuma and Ryunosuke Tsukigata.
Upon his release from the prison, Hishakaku joins the Kikkyo family who is struggling to regain their turf from their rival, Domoto family. To reciprocate the kindness of the Kikkyos, Hishakaku heads to meet the leader of Domoto, Osumi, and finds himself emotionally involved with her.
“Kaizoku Bahansen (The Pirates),” 1960 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 44 minutes.
Directed by Tadashi Sawashima. Starring Hashizo Okawa and Ryunosuke Tsukigata.
The son of a successful trading ship operator, Kamon, avenges the death of his father.
“Kurobedani no Daikenkyaku (The Swordsman in the Golden Valley),” 1960 samurai film, 1 hour and 26 minutes.
Directed by Yasushi Sasaki. Starring Utaemon Ichikawa and Michiyo Kogure.
A story of a samurai involved in a gold rush in a canyon.
“Nihon Yakuzaden Socho e no Michi (The Sword of Justice),” 1971 action film, 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Directed by Masahiro Makino. Starring Ken Takakura and Tomisaburo Wakayama.
When the aging leader of the yakuza gang Maeda-gumi decides to retire, many of the gang members have no confidence in the young man he has chosen to replace him. A fight for the succession begins.
“Onna Toseinin (Okoma, the Orphan Gambler),” 1971 drama, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Shigehiro Ozawa. Starring Junko Fuji and Koji Tsuruta.
A story of a gambling woman, Okoma, who must deliver a child to her father.
“Ronin Hakkei (Eight Views of Samurai),” 1958 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Directed by Tai Kato. Starring Utaemon Ichikawa and Kotaro Satomi.
A masterless samurai saves a noble court from crisis.
“Ronin Ichiba Asayake Tengu (The Samurai Markets),” 1960 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 28 minutes.
Directed by Shoji Matsumura. Starring Ichikawa Utaemon and Konoe Jushiro.
The success story of a group of ronin who fights against traffickers during the Edo Tenpo period.
“Sasaki Kojiro Kohen (Sasaki Kojiro, Part 2),” 1957 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 34 minutes.
Directed by Kiyoshi Sasaki. Starring Chiyonosuke Azuma, Shinobu Chihara and Chiezo Kataoka.
The conclusion of the story of famed swordsman, Sasaki Kojiro. After surviving a series of daring adventures, Kojiro seems to have finally discovered the ultimate happiness in life when he is reunited with Tone, the love of his life. However, his days of happiness are overshadowed by an upcoming duel with his fateful enemy Miyamoto Musashi.
“Shin Hebihimesama Oshima Sentaro (Snake Princess: Oshima and
Sentaro),” 1965 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 28 minutes.
Directed by Tadashi Sawashima. Starring Hibari Misora and Yoichi Hayashi.
Young Sentaro struggles to avenge the murder of his younger sister Osuga and their father.
“Shinonomero Onna no Ran (In Blazing Love),” 1994 drama, 2 hours and 8 minutes.
Directed by Ikuo Sekimoto. Starring Keiko Saito, Rino Katase, Yoko Minamino and Masahiko Tsugawa.
An illustration of the tragic lives of geishas at a popular geisha house,
Shinonomero.
Shortly after being sold to a geisha house at age 5, Shizu is befriended by a fellow older geisha, Tsuru. After years of living and working together, Tsuru and Shizu manage to run the operations of Shinonomero as the proprietress and assistant. Despite vows to never to let their lovers come between them or Shinonomero, moments of weakness leave Tsuru and Shizu caught up in a web of betrayal and plunged into debt. With the guilt of losing Shinonomero to Udo, a yakuza who loaned them money, it is now up to young Shizu to redeem Tsuru’s honor and restore Shinonomero as their own.
“Shinsengumi Onitaicho (Fall of the Shogun’s Militia),” 1954 jidaigeki,
1 hour and 54 minutes.
Directed by Toshikazu Kouno. Starring Chiezo Kataoka and Kinnosuke
Nakamura.
Rise and fall of the famed mercenaries, Shinsengumi, hired by a crumbling feudal government.
“Tenchi Meisatsu (Tenchi the Samurai Astronomer),” 2012 jidaigeki/drama, 2 hours and 21 minutes.
Directed by Yojiro Takita. Starring Junichi Okada and Aoi Miyazaki.
In the early 17th century, Santetsu Yasui was a successful Go player who often performed demonstrations for the Shogun. In addition to mastering Go, Santetsu was also versatile in the arts of mathematics, surveying, and astronomy. With his knowledge for all three subjects, he was ordered by his clan chief to observe the North Star from vantage points throughout Japan for an accurate survey. During his travels he began to realize that the calendar Japan had used for centuries was fundamentally flawed.
When Yasui returned, he began shouldering the monumental task of identifying and correcting those errors. But undertaking such a task was considered a direct threat to the Imperial authorities administering the calendar. “Tenchi the Samurai Astronomer” is the inspirational story of a man’s quest to take control of the Heavens and the Earth, thus creating a new calendar for the people.
“Uzumasa Limelight (Uzumasa Limelight),” 2014 drama, 1 hour and 43 minutes.
Directed by Sadao Nakajima. Starring Seizo Fukumoto and Chihiro
Yamamoto.
The film centers an aged movie extra who specializes to be killed in samurai movies without ever being lit by the limelight. Seiichi Kamiyama has devoted 50 years of his life as a “kirare-yaku” or “drop-dead” actor: a swordsman extra in samurai films who is always killed off in the fight at Kyoto’s Uzumasa Studios. Now an elderly man, Kamiyama lives very modestly but has earned immense respect from his peers, some of them movie stars. One day, a young girl named Satsuki convinces him that she becomes Kamiyama’s disciple. Will the art of “kirare-yaku” live on?
“Wakakihino Jirocho Tokaiichi no Wakaoyabun (Young Master of Tokai),” 1961 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 34 minutes.
Directed by Masahiro Makino. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura and Michitaro Mizushima.
Jirocho’s plan to settle down with Ocho and live a quiet life is short lived as he steps in to prevent an illegal prostitution business from being introduced on his turf.
“Yoru no Kayo Series: Namida Koi (Love Lost in Tears),” 1973 drama, 1 hour and 13 minutes.
Directed by Takeichi Saito. Starring Yutaka Nakajima and Akemi Nara.
