the owl in the castle??

[Stephen Cremin]

I think the film you have in mind is OWLS' CASTLE directed by SHINODA 
Masahiro which was released on 30/10/1999.  Main cast are NAKAI Kiichi, 
TSURUTA Mayu and HAZUKI Riona.  And yes it uses computer graphics to 
recreate the old capital in its tale of ninjas.  One film that really 
doesn't work on tape.

I don't think its played any festivals yet, but it is screening at the 
American Film Market this week where Pony Canyon are selling it.  It did 
huge box office in Japan, coming in at number six last year among local 
films, third if one discounts animations (after RING 2 and POPPOYA).

Stephen Cremin
The Asian Film Library

Festival and sales contact:
SAKODA Shinji, Pony Canyon: sakoda at ponycanyon.co.jp
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