Japan decided to surprise everyone this morning by selecting Wim Wenders’ “Perfect Days” as its Oscar submission for Best International Film. They selected a film directed by a European filmmaker. Snubbed were Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” and Kore-eda’s “Monster.” This is the first time that Japan has picked a film by a non-Japanese director. Over the years, Wenders has been very open about his love for Japanese culture, he’s also admitted that Ozu’s films have been his biggest influence.
If you've read this column for a while, you know the drill: I spitball Cannes every month from now until April, updating the latest intel and trying to figure out what will be in competition, vying for the Palme d'Or.