“Lost and Found: The Queer Classic ‘Bye Bye Love’ Set to Dazzle North American Audiences”
Let’s dive into the delightful drama of cinematic rediscovery, shall we? Kani Releasing has snagged the North American rights to a veritable gem of queer cinema: Isao Fujisawa’s 1974 cult classic, “Bye Bye Love.” Once thought to be a fading whisper in the annals of film history, this enchanting flick was presumed lost, trapped in the vaults of time until its original negatives were unearthed in a Tokyo film lab warehouse in 2018. Talk about a cinematic resurrection!
This film, Fujisawa’s sole fictional feature, is not just a relic; it’s a cultural touchstone that has influenced a generation of filmmakers, including the dedicated Akihiro Suzuki, who has been fervently restoring this masterpiece. Kani Releasing plans to grace U.S. arthouse theaters with its presence in late 2025, followed by a carefully curated selection on VOD and home video. So get your popcorn ready—it’s going to be a ride!
“Bye Bye Love” is not just a film; it’s a vibrant exploration of identity and societal norms. It follows the gripping tale of Utamaro, a lost soul who crosses paths with Giko, a non-binary shoplifter with a flair for chaos. Their whirlwind romance leads them on a thrilling escapade that includes murder, all while delving into the rich tapestry of sexual identity and societal malaise during a transformative period in Japan. One can’t help but draw parallels to the works of Jean-Luc Godard and Arthur Penn, as Fujisawa weaves a story filled with existential angst and anti-establishment sentiments—stylistically bold and irresistibly relevant.
The film was so influential that Suzuki’s own work, “Looking for an Angel,” was inspired directly by “Bye Bye Love.” His film chronicles a country boy navigating the urban landscape of Tokyo after the murder of a gay performer, painting an anti-heterosexist narrative that speaks volumes on love and loss. How’s that for a cinematic lineage?
Following its restoration, “Bye Bye Love” has already made waves at New York’s Metrograph cinema, where it was showcased alongside Fujisawa’s contemporaries, introducing a new generation to its charm and audacity. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of queer cinema and the importance of preserving these narratives.
So, as we prepare for this film’s grand reintroduction, let’s not forget the passionate archivists and filmmakers who tirelessly work to keep such stories alive. Ignoring them would be akin to tossing a rare book into a bonfire—unthinkable!
Class dismissed. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for this cinematic treasure; it’s poised to remind us all of the beauty found in lost stories finally revealed.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Film Threat, IndieWire
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
