Inu-oh (2021)

Inu-oh (2021). Inu-oh: Directed by Masaaki Yuasa. With Avu-chan, Mirai Moriyama, Tasuku Emoto, Kenjirô Tsuda. A cursed dancer and a musician stun society with electrifying concerts in this animated rock opera.

“Flames, shadows, reflections on water at night, rock music, Japanese drums, stars, and more. The imagery, innovation, and imagination of Inu-Oh baffle and transform the mind.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eBased on real life ancient folk theater characters from the margins of society, a masked and deformed dancer (Inu-Oh) and blind biwa player (Tomona) combine to dispel a curse that hangs over them. Their popular performances tell the stories of ancient and forgotten Heike spirits. They are transformative and beautiful. Audiences are hypnotized, and so much so that their performances threaten the ruling elites. The power of stories, music, dance, and other arts takes on the powers that be, with explosive and transformative results.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eInu-Oh is a creative, colorful, and constantly surprising reimagining of actual history. The rock music dance sequences are finely crafted and visionary. Unique and transformative, Inu-Oh is unlike anything I have seen.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSeen at the Toronto international film festival.”