Fran Rubel Kuzui’s Tokyo Pop Getting A UK Blu-Ray Release
Third Window Films releasing the underseen gem
Third Window Films are set to give a rarely seen American indie cinema gem a Blu-Ray release, Tokyo Pop. Directed by Fran Rubel Kuzui (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) starring Carrie Hamilton and Diamond Yukai.
37 years after it’s world premiere at 1988 Cannes Film Festival a new lease of life. Wendy is a young woman disillusioned by life and not appreciated by her rock band, she gets a postcard from Tokyo. Deciding to head to Japan herself to try make it herself as a singer. Things are not looking good until she meets Hiro.
I love Tokyo and this looks to capture the city’s vibrant pop culture.
An underseen gem of ‘80s American independent cinema by Fran Rubel Kuzui (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), TOKYO POP takes us on a breezy tour through bubble era Tokyo, replete with knowing nods to the city’s vibrant pop culture.
Bleach-blonde wannabe rocker Wendy (Carrie Hamilton) is disillusioned with her life in New York City. After receiving a postcard from Japan saying “wish you were here,” she spontaneously hops on a plane to Tokyo with dreams of making it big as a singer. Quickly finding herself broke and a fish out of water, she moves into a youth hostel for gaijin (foreigners) and takes up work as a hostess at a karaoke bar. Just when she’s at her breaking point, she meets Hiro (Diamond Yukai), a rock ‘n’ roller whose band is looking for their big break. They form a romantic and musical connection and Hiro convinces Wendy to become their lead singer. Through a combination of hustle and luck, they stumble into their 15 minutes of fame, but Wendy soon comes to realize that being a gaijin rocker may be nothing more than a ing fad.
Bonus Features
• Director Fran Rubel Kuzui audio commentary
• James Balmont video essay
• Director Q&A at the Japan Society
• Discussion at the Tokyo Film Festival
• Trailer
• 8 page booklet
• Slipcase Edition (Limited to 2000 copies)
Tokyo Pop will be released Out on bluray and digital 5th May.
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