Masato Harada

Masato Harada (b. 1949, Numazu) is an experienced Japanese screenwriter and director who was also a successful film critic and columnist. He debuted in 1979 with the love story Farewell, Movie Friend: Indian Summer (Saraba eiga no tomoyo: Indian samaa). The most interesting entries in his filmography include the political thriller Kamikaze Taxi (Kamikaze takushî, 1995), the psychological drama Bounce Ko Gals (Baunsu ko gaurusu, 1997 – five awards at the Yokohama IFF), the political drama Spellbound (Kinyu Fushuku Retto Jubake, 1999), the horror film Inugami (2001 – Jury Prize at the Newport IFF), and the drama Climber’s High (Kuraimâzu hai, 2008). He gained the favor of Western audiences as an actor in the Tom Cruise adventure vehicle The Last Samurai (2003).

47. MFF Karlovy Vary