Spirit World (French: Yūrei) is a 2024 fantasy drama film directed by Eric Khoo. The film stars Catherine Deneuve as legendary singer Claire who flies to Japan for a final sold-out concert, but as the show comes to an end so does her worldly life.[1][2] A France, Japan and Singapore co-production, the film premiered as closing film of 29th Busan International Film Festival on 11 October 2024.[3]
| Spirit World | |
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| French | Yūrei |
| Directed by | Eric Khoo |
| Screenplay by | Edward Khoo |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Adrian Tan |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Jeanne Cherhal |
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Release dates |
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Running time | 105 minutes |
| Countries |
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Cast
edit- Catherine Deneuve as Claire Emery
- Masaaki Sakai
- Yutaka Takenouchi
- Jun Fubuki
Production
editThe film based on an original screenplay, is structured as a three-way production involving companies from Singapore, Japan and France. Singapore authorities supported the project financially. In January 2024, production began in Takasaki, an ancient town on Honshu Island between Tokyo and Kyoto, where it continued for 10 days, before moving to other locations.[1]
Release
editSpirit World had its premiere at 29th Busan International Film Festival as closing film on October 11, 2024.[4] It also competed for Best Film award at the 19th Rome Film Festival in 'Progressive Cinema Competition' and was screened on 22 October 2024.[5]
It was screened at the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival in Gala Selection on 29 October 2024.[6] The film was selected as the opening film of the Horizon section at the 35th Singapore International Film Festival and was screened on 30 November 2024.[7]
The film was released on 18 December 2024 in French theatres by ARP Sélection.[8]
Goodfellas, a Paris-based sales company acquired the international sales rights and launched the film at the European Film Market.[2]
Reception
editAllan Hunter, reviewing for Screen Daily, called the film "A simple, sentimental tale with a tendency towards inoffensive whimsy." Closing his review, Hunter wrote, "The increasing focus on Hayato and his problems tends to push Claire and Yuzo to the sidelines of the story, but ultimately allow Khoo to create a more rounded tale of loss, love and just how precious a thing life can be."[9]
Accolades
edit| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome Film Festival | 27 October 2024 | Best Film | Spirit World | Nominated | [10] |
References
edit- ^ a b Patrick Frater (10 January 2024). "Catherine Deneuve to Star in 'Spirit World,' Japan-Set Fantasy Film by Singapore's Eric Khoo (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ a b Goodfellow, Melanie (2 February 2024). "Eric Khoo Talks Japanese Drama 'Spirit World' With Catherine Deneuve As Goodfellas Boards Sales – EFM". Deadline. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "The 29th Busan International Film Festival: Selection List". Busan International Film Festival. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ Shackleton, Liz (3 September 2024). "Busan To Open With Park Chan-wook's Netflix Title 'Uprising', Close With Eric Khoo's 'Spirit World'; Kiyoshi Kurosawa Named Asian Filmmaker Of The Year". Deadline. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
- ^ Scarpa, Vittoria (23 September 2024). "One hundred titles from 48 countries and a flurry of world premieres will form of the focus of this year's Rome Film Fest". Cineuropa. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
- ^ "37th TIFF's Gala Selection Unveiled; Trailer with Festival Song to Screen from Sept. 20". Tokyo International Film Festival. 20 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "Explore Films". Singapore International Film Festival. 28 October 2024. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
- ^ "Yūrei" [Yūrei]. AlloCiné (in French). 15 October 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
- ^ Hunter, Allan (11 October 2024). "Spirit World': Busan Review". Screen Daily. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ Dams, Tim (20 September 2024). "Rome Film Festival unveils 2024 line-up; Johnny Depp, Francis Ford Coppola, Viggo Mortensen to be honoured". ScreenDaily. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
External links
edit- Spirit World at IMDb
