International Art House Series
In near-future Tokyo, best friends on the verge of adulthood must choose between a future of either abdication or resistance, coming to terms with political fear, the tenuous bonds of friendship, and questions of individual will in the process.
Contemporary global anxieties over the gradual slide into governmental totalitarianism find an original and touching outlet in this resonant drama about youth culture in Japan. Best friends Kou and Yuta run afoul of their disciplinarian principal, who has installed draconian surveillance. As the boys try to figure out how to align themselves within the increasingly oppressive education system, larger external forces summon further threats, including constant looming natural disasters. [113 min; drama; Japanese with English subtitles]
"For its lucid interpretation of the current global moment without surrendering to paralyzing despair, Happyend settles among the most unmissable films to hit U.S. theaters this year." — Carlos Aguilar, RogerEbert.com
"Happyend strikes a remarkable balance between social satire and adolescent drama, finding points of alignment between the humour of everyday teen life and the absurdity of the bureaucracies that shape it." — Alexander Mooney, Little White Lies
"[W]hat's most important about it … is this insistence that not only can we push back against authoritarianism, but we must push back against authoritarianism. And it provides that message in a sprightly, smart, sharp way." — Alonso Duralde, Press Play
Any film screened at IU Cinema may contain content that viewers find sensitive or upsetting. Visit our Audience Advisories page to learn more.
Feb 7
