[Ueda] Retro Theater: Ueda Eigeki
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There are movie theaters known as so-called mini-theaters.
They don't have the flashiness of 'Breaking 1 million in attendance!' or 'Breaking 100 million yen at the box office!', but they often screen the type of films that leave some kind of ripple in the viewer's heart.
When I was at an age where I wanted to act more mature, like in my university days, I would sometimes try to act cool and visit theaters like that.
Ueda has such a mini-theater.
Moreover, its appearance has a certain charm.
It has even been used as a filming location for works like 'Asakusa Kid' and Gekidan Hitori's 'Bolt from the Blue'.
Every time I pass by it,
'It's so classy...'
I feel drawn to it.
Actually, in the youth novel I wrote, 'Ueda Girls Live on Video,' there was a scene featuring a movie theater modeled after this Ueda Eigeki.
The reason it's in the past tense is that the scene was cut.
Well... it's good that it was cut.
After all, at the time of writing, I had never stepped inside it even once.
I think it would have been dishonest to write about it without doing proper research.
However, I have a desire to write a youth novel someday using this Ueda Eigeki as a model.
◯
I finally had the opportunity to watch a movie at Ueda Eigeki.
When I finally stepped inside,
'Wow...'
I was immediately captivated by its retro atmosphere.
It has a soft, warm atmosphere throughout that you don't find in new movie theaters.
You can feel the love of the staff everywhere.
There is a corner in the shop that sells books.
I am humbled that they also carry my 'Ueda Girls'.
A staff member told me, 'We've sold about three or four copies.'
Even though it's not a bookstore, I'm very happy that there are people who bought it there.
I purchased a book called 'The Town Movie Theater: Dancing Masala Cinema.'
It's a book about a small town movie theater struggling on the brink of closure.
◯
The movie I chose at Ueda Eigeki was The Girl with the Needle.
It is a story based on an actual murder case set against the backdrop of World War I.
The meaning is 'seamstress,' but if interpreted literally, it becomes 'the girl with the needle,' which gives off a somewhat macabre scent.
The story, filmed entirely in black and white, focuses on war and poverty, and the characters are repeatedly faced with events that test their conscience.
Without spoiling anything, if I were to express my thoughts...
I can't help but feel that the person who became a murderer was only driven to such heinous acts because there was a certain kind of goodness deep in their heart.
Perhaps they felt they had no choice but to dirty their own hands to solve the contradictions and helplessness of the world.
There are countless ways to interpret it.
However, I think the one who truly maintained their goodness until the end was the protagonist's husband.
Even when he became a despised and hated existence, his heart remained kind, and he continued to accept the harsh reality and trials.
◯
While remembering myself in my university days, when I was trying so hard to act mature,
(I watched a good movie...)
Feeling moved by that sentiment, I stepped outside.
The outside world was waiting with a heat so intense it felt like I would melt.
◯
Well then, it's finally time to head home.
It might be nice to try the eel at [Koini], which was recommended to me, but my family member who is with me says,
"I want to eat a huge tonkatsu..."
In that case, [Rokumonsen] it is.
If we head there now, it will be just about opening time.
...I was enthusiastic, but,
"We are only doing takeout today."
That can't be...!
"In that case, how about the Western-style restaurant [Kurasaka]? It's not far from here."
If it's a Western-style restaurant, they might have cutlets.
We couldn't get in last time because of reserved guests, but this time for sure... no, I'll call just to be safe.
"I'm sorry, we are fully booked with reservations today."
If it comes to this, should I go to [Koini] after all...?
No, my mouth is already set on tonkatsu.
While staring at my list of delicious restaurants in Ueda, what I finally decided on was...
"Is this Kitchen Karura? Are you open today? ...Ah, then we'll be there soon!"
Online information is unreliable. In the end, calling to confirm is the most certain way.
The menu to eat is definitely the rare-fried beef cutlet.
You eat it with grilled salt or wasabi soy sauce.
Soup is free to refill.
After enjoying the cutlet in the cozy restaurant, when I went outside, it had started to rain.
On the way, well, I'll just take my time heading home.
