The Man Who Failed to Die (15)

Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2026
Thursday 12th March 2026

Comedy sketch writer SEKIYA Ippei (MIZUKAWA Katamari), weary of society’s harshness and a life without reward, decides to end it all by jumping from a train platform. Just as he is about to do so, a fatal accident occurs at the neighbouring station, forcing him to reconsider. After looking into it, Ippei discovers that the man who died was named MORIGUCHI Tomohiro (MASANA Bokuzo) and decides to sneak into his funeral. When he returns home, however, he is confronted by Tomohiro’s ghost.

Forcing Ippei to feel grateful for his survival, the ghost Tomohiro makes a shocking request: to kill his daughter Aya’s (KARATA Erika) abusive ex-husband, WAKAMATSU Katsutoshi (KYAN Yutaka). Defeated by Tomohiro’s persistence, Ippei begins to investigate Katsutoshi. Along the way, a strange bond between Ippei and Tomohiro is formed, and soon Ippei comes to understand the true reason behind Tomohiro’s abrupt death.

Blending dry humour with the supernatural, TANAKA Seiji — who made a sensational international debut with Melancholic (2018) — delivers a uniquely entertaining film that moves effortlessly between comedy, mystery, and unexpected warmth.

Contains mild violence.

The Man Who Failed to Die
死に損なった男 (Shinizokonatta otoko)
Directed by TANAKA Seiji
2024, 109 min.
Starring: MIZUKAWA Katamari, MASANA Bokuzo, KARATA Erika, KYAN Yutaka

All tickets £7.50

Knowing Me, Knowing You
The True Self in Japanese Cinema
6 February – 31 March 2026
The UK’s largest festival of Japanese cinema, the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme (JFTFP), is back again. This is the place where cinema comes alive!

TICKET PRICES

GENERAL

  • Standard£7.50
  • Retired Over 65s£7.50
  • Under 26yrs£7.50
  • Companion for Access or CEA Card Holder£7.50

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