Achilles and the Tortoise

Machisu, the only son of a rich collector, has a child’ love for painting. Praise from a famous artist friend of his father inspires the young boy to dream of becoming a painter himself. He begins to paint everyday and everywhere, even during class, to the dismay of his teacher. When tragedy strikes, little Machisu’ privileged life ends, leaving him orphaned, but with an incomparable passion for art. Upon reaching middle age, Machisu has yet to sell a painting. But he remains dedicated, supported by his devoted wife Sachiko, who has become his creative partner. With each new work, Machisu tries to push himself to greater limits of inspiration. Hungry for recognition, their creative attempts escalate beyond what neighbors and even their own teenage daughter Mari can tolerate. Will Achilles ever overtake the Tortoise?

Born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1947. A very popular actor in Japan, where he is known as Beat Takeshi, he worked in films such as Furyo (1983), by Nagisa Oshima, and Yoichi Sai’s Blood and Bones (2004, 29th Mostra). In 1989, Kitano made his directing debut with Violent Cop, followed by Boiling Point (1990). Sonatine (1993) and Kids Return (1996) were screened at the 20th Mostra. With Hana-Bi (1997), he was awarded the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the Critic’s Prize at the 21st Mostra. He also directed Kikujiro (1999), Dolls (2002), Zatoichi (2003), Glory to the Filmmaker! (2007), Achilles and the Tortoise (2008), Outrage (2010), Outrage: Beyond (2012) and Ryuzo and His Seven Henchmen (2015), all of them exhibited at Mostra. In 1998, Takeshi Kitano signed the poster of the 22nd Mostra.

43ª MOSTRA INTERNACIONAL DE CINEMA

43ª MOSTRA INTERNACIONAL DE CINEMA