A lyrical, visually stunning work that deviates considerably from Takashi Miike's signature gorefests, BIRD PEOPLE IN CHINA nonetheless explores many of his unifying themes; these include that of outsiders in pursuit of happiness in a foreign land, and a complex and unlikely relationship, played out this time between a mobster and a quiet businessman. Wada is a handsome salaryman who works for a jade company interested in mining a recently-discovered vein that runs through a remote village in China. The company sends Wada to investigate its purity, and en route he encounters a yakuza intent on securing a share of the company's profits for the mob. Together they set out for the village, guided by Shen, an old Chinese man whose sense of direction is doubtful. But Wada and the Yakuza are in constant conflict, irritating each other at every opportunity. Upon their eventual arrival in the village, they discover a picturesque idyll where the children receive instruction in flying, and during their stay the visitors each gain valuable insights into themselves, ultimately wondering if they should ever leave. The depth of the characters, the breathtaking scenery, and the slow, dreamlike pacing make this film a magical, poetic experience that is sure to enchant and haunt its audiences.

Blu-ray Disc Features:

Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
Dolby Digital - Japanese
Additional Release Material:
Interviews: Takashi Miike, Director
Audio Commentary: Tom Mes, Japanese Film Critic
Trailers:
1. Original Theatrical Trailer
2. Previews
3. Promotional Material
Text/Photo Galleries:
Filmographies
Biographies

Distributor Notes: One of the most extraordinary films from an extraordinary filmmaker, The Bird People In China uses magic realism to express human yearning and frustration. We journey with the Japanese salaryman and the debt-collecting yakuza on a journey to investigate a jade mine, which turns into a search for the bird people, but ultimately becomes a voyage of discovery to the core values of modern man. Never lacking pace, and building his narrative from his normal ragbag of materials, in this scenically stunning film, Miike once again turns his comic vision towards the only truly overwhelming adventure... the hunt for value.

Source: Ryko Distribution

Renji Ishibashi: Actor, DEAD OR ALIVE (2001)
Masahiro Motoki: Japanese Actor
 Mako: Character Actor, THE SAND PEBBLES, CONAN THE BARBARIAN

Takashi Miike: Director, DEAD OR ALIVE (2001)