Cinema Society

THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI

Average
Rating

3.5

Tuesday, October 09, 2007, AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

Invited Guest: Director Linda Hattendorf

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9

7:15PM: Introduction, Auditorium 4

7:20PM: Introduction, Auditorium 5

7:30PM: THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI

Discussion will follow screening in Auditorium 4

AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI

Eighty-year-old Jimmy Mirikitani survived the trauma of WWII internment camps, Hiroshima, and homelessness by creating art. But when 9/11 threatens his life on the New York City streets and a local filmmaker brings him to her home, the two embark on a journey to confront Jimmy's painful past. An intimate exploration of the lingering wounds of war and the healing powers of friendship and art, this documentary won the Audience Award at its premiere in the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival.

THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI was directed by New York documentary filmmaker Linda Hattendorf, and produced by Lucid Dreaming inc. in association with The Independent Television Service (ITVS) and The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), with funding provided by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Additional funding provided by The Japan Foundation, The New York State Council on the Arts, and private donors.

Running Time: 74 Minutes

Rated: TBA

Send a Comment

15-Oct-07: Jim Young - Rating: 4

Winning Films of the 8th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival. Congratulations to the following filmmaker awarded at the 8th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival.

Grand Jury

CATS OF MIRIKITANI

Linda Hattendorf, director

10-Oct-07: Carol Holub - Rating: 2

I disliked the film because I felt it was a very one-sided view of WWII. I understand that it was his perception of the war, but in my opinion, the film would have been more interesting if the filmmaker had addressed or discussed with Jimmy the actions taken by the Japanese in the war. If the Japanese had not bombed us and joined forces with Hitler, we would never have attacked Hiroshima. I realize that Jimmy was an American, but he repeatedly stated how wonderful "All" Japanese are (and I know that at least once he did say "All" Japanese are good) and obviously we know that was not true. Parts of the movie did have merit - profiling people is usually wrong and concentration camps are always wrong. However, I would have appreciated the filmmaker more if, just once, she would have reminded Jimmy that while America did make some mistakes in WWII, America was for the most part trying to do the right thing. America was on the right side, trying its best to fight the Germans and the Japanese.

Thanks, Andy, for letting me vent. The movie bothered me all night in a good way -- good always comes from challenging our thoughts.

10-Oct-07: M.Roe - Rating: 4

At first I thought it felt too much like a home movie and a couple times I faded in and out a little bit, however I stuck it out and sure enough I was not disappointed. Linda said the filming was very organic and I definitely agree. Sometimes if a documentary is over "produced" and flashy it loses the realness, the uniqueness of the story that is trying to be told.

I thought Linda was great, so open and comfortable in front of the mic. I think having a guest speaker associated directly with the film can add so much to a film and in the case of this film that held true.

Also this film is important because it’s a reminder of how we as a country have at times reacted in the face of War and chaos. The timing of 911 in the film and peoples reaction to those of Middle Eastern dissent in the U.S. was not far off the path that was the Internment Camps of WWII. I know there is so much social commentary that can be made on this topic and all that is currently going, however my intention is not to “open that can of worms” but rather say this film tells us that it is important not to forget the past and even more important that we learn from the past.

10-Oct-07: Jim Young - Rating: 4

Thanks to Linda for making this touching film, and for being in the right place at the right time to make a difference for Jimmy. Full of inspirational and emotional scenes as Jimmy makes the transition from homeless street person to art sensei. Very reminicent of the short "With Honors Denied" that we got to see a few years ago and meet with Yukiko Shiogi, another American that spent time in a camp and was able to regain missed portion of her life 60 years later.