The Promised Land(HKAFF 2020)

One of Japan’s most provocative mainstream filmmakers, Zeze Takahisa tells a powerful story of crime, punishment and the consequences of misplaced mob justice with his latest film. Twelve years after being accused of kidnapping a young girl in a small town, socially challenged loner Takeshi is immediately suspected by the townspeople once more when another girl goes missing. Meanwhile, a beekeeper finds himself cast out by his tight-knit community when his new business is derailed. Adapted from two short stories by celebrated author Yoshida Shuichi (Rage, Villain), Zeze’s ambitious film tells a disturbing and compelling cautionary tale about dangerous prejudices hidden beneath tightly held traditions.