EASTERN PROMISES presents BEIJING WATERMELON: 2K Restoration!

EASTERN PROMISES is dedicated to showcasing the best of East Asian cinemas, from beloved classics to forgotten gems.

Shunzo (Bengal) runs a beloved greengrocer in the outskirts of Tokyo. When Lee, a struggling exchange student from China, visits the shop but is unable to afford the produce, an uneasy relationship sprouts. As Shunzo’s generosity sneaks up on him he is confronted by his role as a surrogate father to his newfound Chinese friends. Shot between May and July of 1989 and addressing the historically charged notion of a Sino-Japanese friendship, this lesser-seen masterpiece from director Nobuhiko Obayashi (House) subtly chronicles the end of a decade marked by the Japanese economic bubble and the brutal close of possibility in China. A delicate elegy to the Chinese students of its time, Beijing Watermelon finds Obayashi at his most modern, channeling Yasujiro Ozu, while his experimental flourishes provide the perfect disruption, inviting viewers to fill in the blanks of history.

Restoration commissioned by Shochiku from a 4K scan of the 35mm negatives, scanned at IMAGICA Lab Inc. in 2021 on a Lasergraphics Scanstation.

(Courtesy of Kani Releasing)

Thursday July 11th, 8 PM/7:30 PM Doors

General Admission $15.00 | Student/Senior (with valid ID) $12.50 + HST/eventbrite fees

Door tickets are available for purchase on the day of screening. Refunds can be requested up to 12 hours before the screening. All refunds must be requested and processed through eventbrite.

Looking for pre or post show snack or sip? Check out our amazing options right next door!

Osteria Rialto | Bar Biltmore | Blue Door Wine Shop | Café Paradise

Host or Publisher Paradise Theatre