Movies: Hula Girls

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July 06, 2007 | 1:14 PM

It is 1965 and Japan's industry has started to shift from coal to oil. One by one the old mining towns begin their long slow decline. But in one small town way up north, leaders and mining company officials have come up with plan B: to develop Japan's first Hawaiian Village and become a tourist mecca. And what's a Hawaiian Village without a troupe of hula dancers? The more traditionally minded villagers are completely against the idea, believing that women should be at home tending to the needs of their fathers and brothers instead of shaking their hips half-naked in public, but the younger women in town see the opportunity to escape their oppressive surroundings and renew their spirit. The only problem is, no one knows how to do the dance, or even knows what hula is! In this touching comedy, the skepticism and conservatism of the locals is gradually overcome as their daughters fall under the spell of one talented and determined dance instructor from Tokyo. Based on a true story, Hula Girls is a heartwarming comedy about coal miners' daughters who take a once-in-a-lifetime chance to escape their monotonous lives and save their town, in this charming ensemble comedy. Directed by Lee Sang-il , Japan, 2006, 35mm, 108 mins. In Japanese with English subtitles.

Official site Japan Times

Showtimes:
Fri., July 13 at 7 & 9 pm
Sat.-Sun., July 14-15 at 3, 5, 7 & 9 pm
Mon., Tues. & Thurs., July 16, 17 & 19 at 7 & 9 pm

Tagged: film, Lincoln Park, DePaul