Pray for Japan [Blu-ray] by Bayview Entertainment/Widowmaker

Description

Blu-ray edition. PRAY FOR JAPAN is the moving documentary about the aftermath of the devastating tsunami and earthquake that hit Japan, focusing on the real-life heroes who fought on behalf of their loved ones and their hometown. On March 11, 2011, Japan's Tohoku coastal region was destroyed by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and devastating tsunami that followed. PRAY FOR JAPAN takes place in the devastated region of Ishinomaki, Miyagi – the largest coastal city in Tohoku with a population of over 160,000 people. Filmmaker Stu Levy – an American living in Japan – filmed the tsunami aftermath during his trips to Tohoku as a volunteer and over a period of 6 weeks, captured over 50 hours of footage. PRAY FOR JAPAN focuses on four key perspectives of the tragedy – School, Shelter, Family, and Volunteers. With each perspective we meet victims who faced significant obstacles and fought to overcome them. Through these four vantage points, you will understand the vast ramifications of this large-scale natural disaster – and the battle these real-life heroes fought on behalf of their loved ones and their hometown. The nationwide theatrical release in March 2012 was greeted with sold-out shows across the United States and the film received near-unanimous admiration: the Village Voice hailed it as ''An elegy and a love letter'' while The New York Daily News praised it as both ''Heartbreaking and inspiring''. PRAY FOR JAPAN features an original theme song written and performed by Okuda Tamio, one of the most popular rock musicians in Japan, as well as poetry written by Fukushima poet Ryoichi Wago and read by famed actress Kyoka Suzuki. The opening animation sequence is directed by Hiroshi Nagahama and produced by prolific Japanese animation powerhouse, Studio DEEN. In Japanese with English subtitles, Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, 16×9 widescreen. A portion of the profits from PRAY FOR JAPAN will be donated to Japan Emergency NGO (JEN), a Japan-based charity that provides assistance to victims of natural disasters, wars, and internal conflicts.