American Film Market (AFM): Update on Toshiaki Toyoda's HANGING GARDEN (KÛCHÛ TEIEN), w/ Kyôko Ko

The official website for Toshiaki Toyoda's Hanging Garden (Kûchû teien) still is online, and there's a trailer for the movie on that site (see the bottom of this article). Asmik Ace Entertainment Inc. (Asumikku Êsu Entateinmento K.K.) released the movie theatrically in Japan on October 8th.

Distribution rights for Hanging Garden are being offered for sale by Pony Canyon Inc. (K.K. Ponî Kyanion) at this year's American Film Market (AFM) in Santa Monica, California. The movie is being screened at the Fairmont on Sunday November 6th at 7:00 p.m..

The screenplay for Hanging Garden (Kûchû teien) was written by (Toshiaki) Toyoda, based on the eponymous novel Kûchû teien by Mitsuyo Kakuta. As was reported here on ScreenAnarchy back on May 17th, the movie's principal cast is as follows: Kyôko Koizumi, Itsuji Itao, Anne Suzuki (An Suzuki), Masahiro Hirota, Sonim (Sonin), Michiyo Ôkusu, Asami Imajuku, Ryô Katsuji (Katsudi Ryô), Yoshitaka Yamamoto, Kiyohiko Shibukawa, Seiroku Nakazawa, Seiji Chihara, Shinsuke Suzuki, Jun Kunimura, Eita (a.k.a. Eita Nagayama), and Hiromi Nagasaku.

Below is a synopsis for Hanging Garden from a page (see the bottom of this article) for the movie on Pony Canyon's website.

"We never conceal the truth, no subject is taboo. We try to share everything with each other."

This is a family rule for the Kyobashi's. The family moved into Danchi, a housing project in a town developed during Japan's economic boom, believing a bright future was awaiting them at a new place. But with the passing of time, their hope was reduced to a dream long forgotten. They ended up acting up a good family, with each member harboring secrets. Daughter Mana is habitually skipping classes and spending her time at a large-scale shopping mall. She even goes to bed with men she hardly knows. Younger brother Ko is no different. He is always hanging out on the street, trying to beat a sense of frustration that's been hanging heavy on him for no apparent reason. Father Takashi is busy having affairs, always bossed around by his new lover Mina. Mother Eriko seems to be having a fulfilling life, working part-time at a noodle restaurant and paying frequent visits to her mother Satoko at hospital. But the fact is Eriko is struggling to find out how to relate to her mother while being haunted by memory of her childhood days which she spent in total isolation from society.

Things start taking unexpected turns after Ko met Mina. Mina becomes tutor for Ko and gets close with the family. One day the Kyobashi's throws a birthday party for Mina. That is when their lies are forced to come out one after another. With the family totally fallen apart now, Each member begins searching for the door that'd open up their hearts.

Hanging Garden large trailer (streaming, Windows Media)
Hanging Garden small trailer (streaming, Windows Media)

Hanging Garden official website
Pony Canyon: Hanging Garden

The Japan Times: Review of Hanging Garden
American Film Market: Hanging Garden