Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2012

Put down that remote control and head to Shin-Bungeiza in Ikebukuro (3F, 1-43-5 Higashi-Ikebukuro Toshima-ku; www.shin-bungeiza.com) to catch on the big screen vol. 13 of their Charm of World Cinema series. Cult classics in the lineup include Dirty Harry (1971; pictured), Harold and Maude (1971) and Taxi Driver (1976).

The third annual Tokyo Gohan Film Festival invites you to dig into a selection of delicious films that stimulate all five senses, from October 6-19 at Shibuya’s Image Forum (2-10-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku; www.imageforum.co.jp). Delectable courses include Dinner Rush (2000), Marie Antoinette (2006), and Julie & Julia (2009). www.tokyogohan.com/english

The Polish Holocaust drama In Darkness (2011) is screening at Toho Cinemas Chanter (1-2-21 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku; 03-3591-1511). The inspiring tale of the human will to survive is closely based on the true story of a Polish laborer who saved a group of Jews by hiding them in a sewer for a year and a half.