Yoshihiko Hakamada Movies

When a nuclear equipped, stealth-type American strategic bomber code-named Midnight Eagle bursts into flames during a routine training flight over the Northern Alps, an ex-war photographer turned nature-loving shutterbug attempts to prevent the missing weapons from falling into enemy hands. Based on author Tetsuo Takashima's popular novel of the same name, director Izuru Narushima's urgently paced action film stars Takao Ôsawa, Yûko Takeuchi, Hiroshi Tamaki, and Eisaku Yoshida. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

The give and take between the members of a string quartet becomes a metaphor for human relationships in this drama. First violinist Akio (Yoshihiko Hakamada), second violinist Tomoko (Sachiko Sakurai), violist Daisuke (Nao Ohmuri), and cellist Ai (Kaoru Kukita) comprised a student string quartet while the four were studying music in college; they stopped playing together after a disastrous student recital, and have had little contact with one another until they all arrived for an open audition for an orchestra. All four have gone on to rather unrewarding careers in music, and when they get word of an important music competition for small ensembles, they decide to reunite and take a stab at the prize. Looking for a impressive performance piece for the competition, Akio offers an original piece simply called "Quartet," not telling his partners the composition was actually written by his father. Akio quickly assumes leadership of the group, and as the other three chafe under his authority, the individual weaknesses of the four musicians become clear as they set out on a short tour to raise money and get into shape. After the tour, the quartet discovers their temporary manager has stolen all their money, and with their private lives in a shambles, they have no choice but to focus on salvaging their musical relationship in order to win the much-needed prize money. Karutetto was directed and co-written by Joe Hisaishi; it was the first feature for Hisaishi, who has a strong background in music as a leading Japanese film composer. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Former adult video director Ryuichi Hiroki makes his straight-flick debut with this stylized coming-of-age drama about a pair of long-distance runners. Kenji (Shunsuke Matsuoka), a rich kid from the tony neighborhood of Shonan Beach, is obsessed with the memory of his dead track star friend, with whom he had a brief homosexual encounter. He is dating Kyoko (Miwako Kawai), the track star's former girlfriend, who is obsessed with Kenji. Though he would rather discuss metaphysics than engage in sexual congress, Kyoko eventually drags Kenji to bed. The result is less than sterling. Meanwhile, Ryuji (Eugene Nomura), a poor student from Kawasaki, is Kenji's friend and rival on the track. Unlike his cold-fish comrade, Ryuji has more libido than he knows what to do with. He spends much of his energy pursuing a leggy hurdler who has the hots for Kenji. Later, Ryuji finds himself in a love hotel with Kenji's little sister. Realizing that she is the spitting image of his friend, he backs off and the two spend the evening singing karaoke instead. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide