Dec 19, 2011
SFFILM
Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos (Hagane no renkinjutsushi: Mirosu no seinaru hoshi, Japan 2011), Kazuya Murata’s highly imaginative tale of two brothers in an alternate world where alchemy is a highly sophisticated scientific application, plays January 20-26 at SF Film Society Cinema (1746 Post Street).
One of the most highly anticipated anime releases slated for 2012, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos continues the powerhouse manga/anime narrative allegorizing the industrial revolution in Europe. In this alternate reality, alchemy is the most advanced form of science. And, while the earlier parts of the series focused on the quest to find the fabled Philosopher’s Stone, this new extension of the Fullmetal tale presents a fugitive alchemist with mysterious abilities that leads Edward and Alphonse, the Elric brothers, to a distant valley of slums inhabited by the Milos, a proud people struggling against bureaucratic exploitation. Edward and Alphonse quickly find themselves in the middle of a rising rebellion as the exiled Milos lash out against their oppressors. At the heart of the conflict is Julia, a young alchemist befriended by Alphonse. She’ll stop at nothing to restore the Milos to their former glory-even if that means harnessing the awful power of the Philosopher’s Stone. Written by Yuichi Shinpo. Photographed by Yoshiyuki Takei. With Romi Park, Rie Kugimiya, Maaya Sakamoto, Toshiyuki Morikawa. In Japanese with subtitles. 110 min. Distributed by Funimation Entertainment.
Showtimes 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:15 pm
Tickets $9 for SFFS members, $11 general, $10 senior/student/disabled. Box office opens December 23 online at sffs.org and in person at SF Film Society Cinema.
To request screeners contact bproctor@sffs.org.
For photos and press materials visit sffs.org/pressdownloads.
At SF Film Society Cinema, the stylish state-of-the art theater located in the New People building at 1746 Post Street (Webster/Buchanan) in Japantown, the San Francisco Film Society offers its acclaimed exhibition, education and filmmaker services programs and events on a daily year-round basis. For complete up-to-date information on all SFFS Cinema programming, including buying tickets, visit sffs.org.
Upcoming San Francisco Film Society programs
Through December 22: The Bride Wore Black New 35mm print. One of the most entertaining films of the French New Wave has Jeanne Moreau playing the femme fatale to the hilt in François Truffaut’s closest homage to his idol Hitchcock.
Opening December 23: Silent Souls The myths and traditions of a vanishing culture are beautifully woven into Aleksei Fedorchenko’s lyrical, sensual and dreamlike film about love and loss.
December 23 (late show): Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale It’s the eve of Christmas in northern Finland, and an archeological dig has just unearthed the real Santa Claus. But this particular Santa isn’t the one you want coming to town! DVDs and poster giveaways for lucky winners-great last-minute stocking stuffers!
December 25 It’s a Wonderful Life Frank Capra’s beloved classic starring Jimmy Stewart as a man whose faith in life is restored by his guardian angel.
January 1-2 Buck and Bill Cunningham New York Back By Popular Demand! Double-feature return engagement of two favorites from SFIFFs past, both on the Academy Awards short list for Best Documentary.
January 3-5: Paul Goodman Changed My Life Jonathan Lee’s documentary chronicling the life and work of multidisciplinary thinker Paul Goodman.
Opening January 6: King of Devil’s Island Marius Holst’s true-story drama about a historic uprising at a Norwegian boys’ reform school.
January 13, 15: The Best of Annecy A dynamic and entertaining array of shorts from one of the most important animation festivals in the world.
January 16-17: Summer Pasture Lynn True, Nelson Walker and Tsering Perlo’s remarkably intimate documentary about the uncertain future of Tibetan nomads.
January 18-19: Samurai Classics Harakiri, Yojimbo, Sanjuro, The Seven Samurai Four of the most popular and influential Japanese films ever made.