Doppelganger Releasing has given RopeofSilicon.com the first exclusive trailer for the American release of Kiyoshi Kurosawa‘s Penance, which is coming soon in two different versions.
[amz asin=”B00LWWB11M” size=”small”]First off, the film will be released on October 31 at New York City’s Cinema Village in its theatrical version, which, to my understanding runs 270 minutes long, just as it was seen at the 2012 Toronto Film Festival. The film will then be released on Blu-ray, DVD and Video On Demand in its original, five-part TV miniseries format on November 18.
Here’s the synopsis giving greater detail for what almost sounds like a Rashomon (though, no, Kiyoshi Kurosawa is not related to the Japanese filmmaking icon, Akira Kurosawa) bit of storytelling:
A series of unsettling events begin to unfold immediately following the brutal murder of young Emili while playing with friends in a small town. With the abductor never being found and the crime going unsolved, Emili’s unhinged mother, Asako, condemns all four of Emili’s friends to pay the ‘penance’ if they do not find the killer. Fifteen years go by and Asako is ready to cash in their penance as each girl’s tale is told separately within this eerie five-part television miniseries.
When it comes to Kurosawa’s work, I saw Doppleganger (2003) a long time ago and can’t necessarily remember it. I’ve also seen Pulse (2001), which was later remade for American audiences as Kurosawa’s thriller took one of the earlier looks at how technology is beginning to effect society in negative ways. His 2008 film, Tokyo Sonata, and The Cure (1997) are probably his most appreciated works for those more familiar with his oeuvre.
As for Penance, have a look below and see what you think as well as check out seven more pictures from the movie as well as the official poster.
