Jellyfish Eyes, 2013

  • Tuesday June 12, 2018 7:00 PM

Jellyfish Eyes, 2013
Takashi Murakami
101 minutes, Japanese with English subtitles

Jellyfish Eyes is engrossing on many levels, one of which is an ambience that recalls Japanese kaijū (monster) movies from the 1950s. Some of the Friends could have been inspired by Godzilla or Mothra — only scaled down and child-friendly. Kaori Shoji, Japan Times

The world-famous artist Takashi Murakami made his directorial debut with Jellyfish Eyes, taking his boundless imagination to the screen in a tale of friendship and loyalty that also addresses humanity’s propensity for destruction. After moving to a country town with his mother following his father’s death, a young boy befriends a charming, flying, jellyfish-like sprite — only to discover that his schoolmates have similar friends and that neither they nor the town itself are what they seem to be. Pointedly set in a post-Fukushima world, Murakami’s modest-budgeted special effects extravaganza boasts unforgettable creature designs and carries a message of cooperation and hope for all ages.


Tuesday Evenings at the Modern: Films is a summer extension of the lecture series. This film-based weekly program runs through the summer months and strives to continue the consideration of ideas and issues pertaining to the art and architecture of the Modern, as well as to contemporary art in general. The screenings this summer focus on the films and recommendations of the artist Takashi Murakami. Visit www.themodern.org/films for more information.

To create a full experience, these presentations include a brief introduction and opportunity for discussion following the films. Seating is available in the Modern's auditorium at 6:30 pm, and the program begins at 7 pm. The museum's galleries are open until 7 pm on Tuesdays during the series. This program is free and open to the public. Up to two free tickets can be obtained at the information desk beginning at 5 pm the day of the screening.