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Shinji Sōmai

Japanese film director (1948–2001)

Shinji Sōmai (相米 慎二, Sōmai Shinji; 13 January 1948 – 9 September 2001) was a Japanese film director. He directed 13 films between 1980 and 2000 and was noted for his work within seishun-eiga, which include films such as the successful Sailor Suit and Machine Gun (1981) and critically acclaimed Typhoon Club (1985).2

From Wikipedia’s article on Shinji Sōmai (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Born Jan 13, 1948, died Sep 9, 2001.1

Companies

Early life and education

  • Date not recordedChuo University3

Career

Occupation: film director.5

The most recognizable trademark of Somai is the use of long takes, creating a kind of rupture between reality and the inner emotions of the characters. The first 15 minutes of Lost Chapter of Snow (1985) is probably the best crafted long take of his career.

His film Moving was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival. His 1998 film, Wait and See, won the FIPRESCI prize at the 49th Berlin International Film Festival in 1999.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival artistic director Chris Fujiwara noted that American film director Nicholas Ray and French film director Jean Vigo shared Somai's sensibilities.

From Wikipedia’s article on Shinji Sōmai (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Personal life

  • BornJan 13, 1948, Morioka6
  • DiedSep 9, 2001, Isehara7
  • CitizenshipJapan8

Sources

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