Date of a Film

[Mark Schilling]

On the issue of dating films, I agree with Aaron that the date of domestic
theatrical release should have first priority. Trying to figure out the
first festival screening of every Japanese indie film ever released would
be a nightmare.

Interestingly, the Leonard Maltin video guide lists the release date of
"Shall We Dance?" as 1996, though it first appeared in Japanese theaters in
1995. Does this mean that a film does not really exist until Americans see
it? 

For my film reviews in my new book Contemporary Japanese Cinema, I have
only been giving the review's publication date in The Japan Times, but
reading Aaron's post on this subject, I'm starting to wonder whether this
method is adequate, as there is a bit of confusion after Oshogatsu. Daijobu
daro? If anyone has an opinion I would appreciate hearing it.

Mark Schilling