Series Site
Best known in America for his gonzo horror-comedy debut House, Nobuhiko Obayashi’s oeuvre is so much more than one (really excellent) midnight movie classic. Coming out of Japan’s avant-garde filmmaking scene in the 60s and cutting his teeth making TV commercials, Obayashi was a pop master who never lost his experimental edge. Growing up in WWII-era Japan led him to a life of left-wing, anti-war, and anti-imperial politics—themes that come through with blazing urgency in these final three films. Finally presented for their New York theatrical release, each standalone feature reflects a deeply personal reckoning with the legacy of WWII and the 3/11 tsunami and nuclear disaster. Together, they provide a stunning window into one of the most fascinating cinematic artists of his time.
Aug 26—Sep 1 at BAM