First Look At Kazuaki Kiriya’s ‘From The End of the World’
by Tito W. James
It’s no secret that I derive a certain pleasure from showcasing deep-cuts, hidden gems, and underground media. Kazuaki Kiriya is a unique and criminally underrated director who’s made several artistic films.
“Hana, a high school girl who lost her parents in an accident and is on the verge of losing her will to live, is suddenly entrusted with the mission of saving the world. Although she is confused by the various difficulties that arise, she works hard to save her world.”
Goemon (2009) is a stylized CGI-fueled epic featuring figures from Japanese history and legend. The film is akin to Coppola’s Dracula and a Final Fantasy cutscene. Those who enjoyed Shin Kamen Rider and have a higher tolerance for camp will have a blast with Goemon.
Last Knights (2015) is a cross-cultural retelling of the Japanese 47 Ronin myth in a medieval setting. Kiriya expertly blends different genres and aesthetics into a cohesive whole. The film opens with a big fight scene, dives into a harrowing drama, and concludes with an epic heist. Last Knights features haunting performances by Clive Owen and Morgan Freedman— and the film has the same fight choreographer as Old Boy. The result is a warrior’s tale like no other and one of my favorite films of all time.
Kiriya’s previous filmography has me excited for his next project, From the End of the World. Judging from the trailer, it combines fantastic elements with a more grounded setting– which I believe will make for a more enduring work of art.
Kiriya has plenty of critics who write off his work because of the film’s stylization and blending of international influences. However, I believe that in time Kiriya will attract a cult fan-base similar to that of Seijun Suzuki or Goichi Suda. When an artist is doing something truly avant garde the critics and the wider public are usually the last to find out. Kiriya is a one-of-a-kind filmmaker and more audiences should support his work.