JapanAfter a blistering retrospective in 2001, Japanese iconoclast Ishii Sogo is back on the big screen delivering another hyperkinetic blast of sonic intensity and visual dynamism. For those Festival audience members whose hearing hasn't quite recovered from Electric Dragon 80,000 Volts (and who suddenly scream out 'GUITAR' at the sight of a lightning bolt), prepare yourself for another unforgettable cinematic experience that only Ishii Sogo can provide.

Essentially comprised of three stories, linked by a wild chase down an alley, Dead End Run kicks off with a man (Iseya Yusuke, director of Kakuto, MIFF 2003) being pursued by a female robot, who has a thing for Broadway musical numbers. Next, drawn into the same alley, are Nagase Masatoshi (star of Ishii's Gojoe and Electric Dragon 80,000 Volts), who is chased by a hitman, and then Japanese superstar Asano Tadanobu (Electric Dragon 80,000 Volts), who is being pursued by the police.

As with all of Ishii's films the visuals are wildly breathtaking and the soundtrack matches the sense of delirium. Rapid editing, crashing guitars, delicately layered background noise and fast close-ups perfectly combine with first-class acting in this exhilarating joyride'all in exactly one hour. You don't need any more!

D/S Ishii Sogo P Nagasawa Yoshiya WS Realproducts L Japanese w/English subtitles TD 35mm/Col, B&W/2003/60mins

Ishii Sogo's films include: Crazy Family (1984, MIFF 2001), Labyrinth of Dreams (1997, MIFF 2001), Electric Dragon 80,000 Volts (MIFF 2001), Gojoe (MIFF 2001).