Singapore / 2011 / 94 mins / Dir: Eric Khoo
Japanese (with English subtitles)

An affectionate and beguiling animated celebration of the life and work of Japanese comic artist Yoshihiro Tatsumi.

Dissatisfied with Japanese cartoons catering solely for children, Tatsumi coined the term Gekiga (pictorial drama) in the late 50s and developed a more adult style of comic art, revolutionising manga in post-war Japan.

Realistic and disquieting, Tatsumi’s work began to grapple with the darker aspects of life.

Animated short stories are intercut with scenes from Tatsumi’s own life, narrated by the artist himself. The layers of Japanese history behind these stories and experiences make for a fascinating biopic that delves into the dark tales of post-war Japan.