Sake Bomb is the name of a drinking game, where you place a cup of sake on two chopsticks, over a big glass of beer and then you pull the chopsticks, the sake drops into the beer and you drink it as fast as you can. It even featured at The Brewing Art as the most intriguing combination of drinks in Western countries in the early 2010s. Inspired by this mixture of American and Japanese drink, Junya Sakino directs a comedy concerning the mixture of Asians and Americans within the USA and the tragicomical situations that arise from the coexistence of two very different cultures. Let’s take a closer look though.
Naoto is a shy and somewhat naive young man who works at a sake distillery in Japan. At some point, he inherits the business and at the same time gets a week of vacation before he takes over.
Naoto is a shy and somewhat naive young man who works at a sake distillery in Japan. At some point, he inherits the business and at the same time gets a week of vacation before he takes over.
- 7/30/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
First Pond Entertainment has acquired North American distribution rights to "Tenshin," a biopic on the life of Japanese artist Okakura "Tenshin" Kakuzo. Also following the announcement is the release of the first exclusive poster for the film, featuring a painterly vision of the legendary artist. Read More: Meet the 2013 SXSW Filmmakers #15: Junya Sakino Explores Social Issues Through Comedy in Sake-Bomb "Tenshin" follows Kakuzo as he works to establish himself as a revolutionary voice in the Japanese art world. Starring Shido Nakamura and Naoto Takenaka, the film promises a close consideration of the life of a great artist whose modern artistic flourishes continue to inform Japanese art. First Pond Entertainment recently released "Man From Reno," "Sake-Bomb" and "Patang." They will release "Tenshin" this winter. See the elegant poster above. Read More: Laff Review: Pepe Serna is a...
- 10/15/2015
- by Aubrey Page
- Indiewire
Junya Sakino is a new japanese director, that has previously worked as a cinematographer and producer, both in Japan and the Us. On the occasion of the release of his first feature film, Sake Bomb he answered some of my questions. I will not get into further details about him as the interview is quite biographical
First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your first feature film, Sake bomb. Could you tell us a bit about the path that brought you from Japan to the U.S and the making of this movie.?
I was born and raised in Japan and decided to move to Los Angeles to purse a filmmaking career. It’s not that I didn’t consider staying in Japan, but it made sense for me that there were a lot of universities that offered film studies, so my natural instinct was just to...
First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your first feature film, Sake bomb. Could you tell us a bit about the path that brought you from Japan to the U.S and the making of this movie.?
I was born and raised in Japan and decided to move to Los Angeles to purse a filmmaking career. It’s not that I didn’t consider staying in Japan, but it made sense for me that there were a lot of universities that offered film studies, so my natural instinct was just to...
- 9/12/2015
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
James Mudge recently caught up with director Junya Sakino, who made his feature film directorial debut on the culture-clash comedy “Sake-Bomb”, over at the 2013 Raindance Film Festival. (You can read that review here.) You can find out more about the film and follow it over at Facebook. In the meantime, here is our interview with the director. James Mudge: I caught the screening of Sake Bomb, and really enjoyed it, a little different to what I expected, though in a very good way. It deals with some serious issues, cultural stereotyping and the experiences of Asian people…. Junya Sakino: I guess that depends on how you define seriousness, right? It’s funny, as some people think it’s a really light comedy, some people read more into the subtext. I find it interesting to see the difference between Us reaction and UK reaction, there’s a lot of similarities but a lot of differences.
- 10/14/2013
- by James Mudge
- Beyond Hollywood
(Screened at the 2013 Raindance Film Festival) By way of explanation – a sake bomb is a drink whereby you place a cup of sake on two chopsticks over a glass of beer, then knock the sake into the beer and swiftly drink. It’s also the feature debut from Junya Sakino, a director born in Japan and who moved to the Us to study film making. The film is a culture clash comedy with a twist, following a young Japanese man called Naoto (Gaku Hamada, recently in the excellent “See You Tomorrow, Everyone”), who after learning that he is to inherit a sake brewery in Japan, decides to fulfil his dearest wish first by traveling to the Us to try and track down his long lost love. On arrival, he’s hooked up with his angry, sarcastic web-blogger Japanese-American cousin Sebastian (TV and video game voice actor Eugene Kim), who reluctantly...
- 10/3/2013
- by James Mudge
- Beyond Hollywood
WikiLeaks founder to judge films at the 21st Raindance Film Festival; 2013 line-up unveiled.Scroll down for full line-up of films
Julian Assange has joined the jury of the 21st Raindance Film Festival (Sept 25 - Oct 6), a London-based event that celebrates independent film in the UK and around the world.
The appointment is a controversial one. The Australian editor-in-chief and founder of WikiLeaks took refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in London in June 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning about sexual assault allegations.
It is understood that he fears Sweden would extradite him to the Us, where he believes he is wanted in relation to WikiLeaks’ disclosure of a significant amount of classified Us military and diplomatic documents.
Commenting on Assange’s appointment, Raindance founder Elliot Grove said: “Every year Raindance invites interesting people to join our jury. In the past we have had musicians like Mick Jones, Marky Ramone and [link...
Julian Assange has joined the jury of the 21st Raindance Film Festival (Sept 25 - Oct 6), a London-based event that celebrates independent film in the UK and around the world.
The appointment is a controversial one. The Australian editor-in-chief and founder of WikiLeaks took refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in London in June 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning about sexual assault allegations.
It is understood that he fears Sweden would extradite him to the Us, where he believes he is wanted in relation to WikiLeaks’ disclosure of a significant amount of classified Us military and diplomatic documents.
Commenting on Assange’s appointment, Raindance founder Elliot Grove said: “Every year Raindance invites interesting people to join our jury. In the past we have had musicians like Mick Jones, Marky Ramone and [link...
- 9/3/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Sake-Bomb [pictured] and It’s Me, It’s Me are slated for Us theatrical release
Japan’s Pictures Dept. has announced the Us acquisitions and theatrical releases of SXSW comedy Sake-Bomb, directed by Junya Sakino and Kazuya Kamenashi-starrer It’s Me, It’s Me, directed by Satoshi Miki.
Pictures Dept. Co. Ltd. and First Pond Entertainment are partnering to handle Us distribution on Sake-Bomb’s theatrical release. The deal was negotiated by Yuko Shiomaki of Pictures Dept. and Oliver Ike of First Pond Entertainment.
New York-based Digital Media Rights has also picked up DVD and VOD rights for the Us.
The road movie, named after the cocktail of a shot of sake dropped in a glass of beer, follows the exploits of a sarcastic Asian American internet star wannabe and his naïve cousin, a sake-maker from Japan, as they travel through northern California in search of the latter’s ex-girlfriend.
Sake-Bomb was picked...
Japan’s Pictures Dept. has announced the Us acquisitions and theatrical releases of SXSW comedy Sake-Bomb, directed by Junya Sakino and Kazuya Kamenashi-starrer It’s Me, It’s Me, directed by Satoshi Miki.
Pictures Dept. Co. Ltd. and First Pond Entertainment are partnering to handle Us distribution on Sake-Bomb’s theatrical release. The deal was negotiated by Yuko Shiomaki of Pictures Dept. and Oliver Ike of First Pond Entertainment.
New York-based Digital Media Rights has also picked up DVD and VOD rights for the Us.
The road movie, named after the cocktail of a shot of sake dropped in a glass of beer, follows the exploits of a sarcastic Asian American internet star wannabe and his naïve cousin, a sake-maker from Japan, as they travel through northern California in search of the latter’s ex-girlfriend.
Sake-Bomb was picked...
- 7/12/2013
- by hjnoh2007@gmail.com (Jean Noh)
- ScreenDaily
I had planned to see the dark foreign film The Five Seasons at the Violet Crown on opening night, but was easily convinced by my friend Anna Hanks to try Sake-Bomb instead. The light cross-cultural road-trip comedy was just what I needed after the intense Upstream Color screening. Sake-Bomb was filmed in both Japan and California, and follows sake factory employee Naoto (Gaku Hamada) as he visits his uncle and cousin Sebastian (Eugene Kim) in L.A. and tries to find the woman who broke his heart (and lives in Petaluma).
Director Junya Sakino introduced the film, and since it was the movie's world premiere, some cast members were in attendance as well. I was in theatre 4 during the screening, and we watched the live feed from theatre 3. When it started, we actually worried we'd be watching the film via the live feed as well, but they then switched it on for our screen.
Director Junya Sakino introduced the film, and since it was the movie's world premiere, some cast members were in attendance as well. I was in theatre 4 during the screening, and we watched the live feed from theatre 3. When it started, we actually worried we'd be watching the film via the live feed as well, but they then switched it on for our screen.
- 3/18/2013
- by Elizabeth Stoddard
- Slackerwood
Another year and another great festival wraps up deep in the heart of Texas. As the curtains draw to a close on the Paramount and the music fades, Friday marked the end of another great festival at South by Southwest. With over a hundred films screened, this year’s festival has introduced a plethora of great films to audiences. The festival has been a chance to showcase big headliners like Evil Dead as well as highlight fantastic indies like Zero Charisma. The greatest thing about these festivals is the air of collaboration between various artists, admirers, and professionals alike. Hearing a conversation between a music badge holder, film badge press, and interactive entrepreneurs sums up South by Southwest succinctly. It really captures the spirit of South by Southwest and reminds us why Austin is a true Mecca for creativity and collaboration. Signing off from Austin, TX, see y’all next year!
- 3/17/2013
- by David Tran
- SoundOnSight
Sake-Bomb
Directed by Junya Sakino
Written by Jeff Mizushima (screenplay)
Us/Japan, 2013
Sake-Bomb follows the odd couple pairing of Sebastian (Eugene Kim), an aimless and sardonic Asian-American, and his inexperienced Japanese cousin Naoto (Gaku Hamada) as they search California for the latter’s ex flame. Before Naoto inherits his own sake company, he sets off to America in order to find the girl that got away. Sebastian is a twenty-something, second generation Asian -American with no job and dreams to be the next viral video star, making videos that belligerently debunk Asian stereotypes. Together, they follow the typical road trip movie tropes that take them to unexpected places, interesting people, and a few life lessons along the way.
When it comes to the self discovery road genre of films, Sake-Bomb satisfies with laughs, emotion, and broad ethnic themes but does not do much in the way of revolutionizing the wheel.
Directed by Junya Sakino
Written by Jeff Mizushima (screenplay)
Us/Japan, 2013
Sake-Bomb follows the odd couple pairing of Sebastian (Eugene Kim), an aimless and sardonic Asian-American, and his inexperienced Japanese cousin Naoto (Gaku Hamada) as they search California for the latter’s ex flame. Before Naoto inherits his own sake company, he sets off to America in order to find the girl that got away. Sebastian is a twenty-something, second generation Asian -American with no job and dreams to be the next viral video star, making videos that belligerently debunk Asian stereotypes. Together, they follow the typical road trip movie tropes that take them to unexpected places, interesting people, and a few life lessons along the way.
When it comes to the self discovery road genre of films, Sake-Bomb satisfies with laughs, emotion, and broad ethnic themes but does not do much in the way of revolutionizing the wheel.
- 3/13/2013
- by David Tran
- SoundOnSight
The sun is beginning to set on a breezy Austin afternoon. It feels like any other day, but as one makes their way south of downtown, they will feel a slight buzz of anticipation. The first signs are the parking meters all wrapped tight in cellophane. Then the trees. Then the columns. Draping them are various movie posters and advertisements for the next big thing. Large, white tents swallow parking lots. Bars along 6th Street are buzzing in anticipation, stocking their shelves. Souvenir shops are filled to the brim with memorabilia.
Walking around the Austin Convention Center, the buildup is palpable. Half constructed booths for large corporations, a holographic saleswoman, a neon pink disco themed eatery, and an exhibit consisting entirely of movie posters.
Running from March 8th to March 17th, South by Southwest (SXSW) has come back to Austin. Since its inception in 1987, the annual film, interactive, and music...
Walking around the Austin Convention Center, the buildup is palpable. Half constructed booths for large corporations, a holographic saleswoman, a neon pink disco themed eatery, and an exhibit consisting entirely of movie posters.
Running from March 8th to March 17th, South by Southwest (SXSW) has come back to Austin. Since its inception in 1987, the annual film, interactive, and music...
- 3/9/2013
- by David Tran
- SoundOnSight
Meet the 2013 SXSW Filmmakers #15: Junya Sakino Explores Social Issues Through Comedy in 'Sake Bomb'
Junya Sakino left his homeland of Japan in 2000 and moved to the U.S. to pursue his directing career. Those dreams were realized in his directorial debut in "The Jazz Addict," which was an official selection for Crested Butte Film Festival, and now with his first feature film, "Sake Bomb." Junya attended California State University Long Beach’s film program where he went on to direct "Vanity Mirror," "The Spiral Ring" and "Orizuru." "Vanity Mirror" won the Grand Prize for Utb Picture Battle competition. Orizuru hit the worldwide film festival circuit in 2006 and received a generous handful of awards including the Hollywood International Film Festival award for Best Period Drama, the Best Screenplay award at the Media Arts Festival, Best Film at No Nuke Festival. The film was eventually aired on PBS. What it's about: A sarcastic and self-deprecating Asian-American must take his naive Japanese cousin on a road trip...
- 3/1/2013
- by Indiewire
- Indiewire
There's really nothing as funny as some good ironically racist humor, which is exactly what looks to be on full display in this Twitch exclusive trailer debut for Junya Sakino SXSW Premiering debut feature Sake-Bomb. Billed as a sexed-up road comedy, the film is written by Jeff Mizushima and stars Gaku Hamada, Eugene Kim, Marlane Barnes, and Josh Brodis. Here is the description from the press notes, followed by the trailer: Sebastian is a bitter, self-hating wannabe Internet star from Los Angeles who has recently been dumped by his girlfriend and is looking for someone new. When his cousin Naoto, a quiet sake maker from Japan, shows up to find his own ex-girlfriend, Sebastian reluctantly takes him to northern California to find her. The...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 2/26/2013
- Screen Anarchy
Premiering next month in the New Visions section at the SXSW Film Festival, Junya Sakino‘s Sake-Bomb takes the old road trip formula and adds in some extra-special ingredients – like unrequited love, mismatched family members, and cultural clashes. And you thought simply traveling to Disneyland with your family in a minivan was tough, amirite? The film centers on young Sebastian, “a bitter, self-hating wannabe Internet star from Los Angeles” (which is, incidentally, my favorite character description of the year so far), who has just been dropped by his lady love. He’s soon joined by his quiet Japanese cousin, Naoto, who needs Sebastian’s help to find his own ex-girlfriend in Northern California. Cue road trip, misunderstanding, and probably more than one breakdown (and not just of the vehicular variety). Sake-Bomb will have its world premiere at SXSW on Friday, March 8, with three additional screenings to follow later in the festival. Until...
- 2/22/2013
- by Kate Erbland
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Some of the best films of the 2012/2013 calender year from Richard Linklater, Harmony Korine, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Andrew Bujalski, Jeff Nichols, David Gordon Green, Shane Carruth and Joshua Oppenheimer are among the headliner names for the 2013 edition of the South by Southwest Film Festival. With a little over 100 plus film line-up (a whopping 2000+ titles were submitted), almost 70 are world premieres: there is the highly anticipated sophomore film (that has been on our radar since it first went into production) with M. Blash’s (The Wait), Joe Swanberg who makes SXSW his second home will premiere Drinking Buddies, veteran indie filmmaker John Sayles saddles in with Go For Sisters, and rounding out the Narrative Spotlight section we’ve got The Bounceback from Bryan Poyser, Loves Her Gun from Geoff Marslett along with titles we thought might break into Park City, but found an Austin home instead with Jacob Vaughan’s Milo and...
- 2/1/2013
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
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