'Eureka,' the 21st Century's Greatest Japanese Film Masterpiece and a Road Movie in Search of Life’s Light—First Domestic Release in Korea for the First Time!

“Makoto,” a bus driver who survived a horrific tragedy and whose life suddenly came to a halt, and the young siblings “Naoki” and “Kozue” set off on a long journey together as they search for life’s light 〈Eureka〉. The first stills reveal Kozue (Aoi Miyazaki) on a bicycle, stopping on the train tracks and looking out toward a long road ahead. The atmosphere created by its distinctive sepia-tone color palette is especially striking.

Shinji Aoyama, who has offered profound insight into the deep sense of human loss, the violence of modern society, and the healing process that overcomes it, made his debut in 1996 with 〈Helpless〉. He quickly became the name to watch as a herald of a new wave in Japanese cinema. He then completed what is known as the so-called “Kitakyushu Saga”—continuing with 〈Helpless〉, 〈Eureka〉, and 〈Sad Vacation〉—solidifying his position as an auteur director. With coolheaded, steady direction, he built an international reputation, and even after his passing, he is still remembered as an eternal master who continues to inspire countless younger directors, including Ryusuke Hamaguchi and Sho Miyake, and represents Japanese cinema.

〈Eureka〉 tells the story of Makoto, a driver who survives an armed bus hijacking incident, and the young siblings Naoki and Kozue, who set out on a long journey of healing while carrying deep traumas inside them. Over an overwhelming runtime of 217 minutes, the film carefully captures the characters’ wounds and recovery through beautifully crafted sepia-toned visuals. In particular, you can confirm the dazzling performances by Japan’s iconic actors— 〈Perfect Days〉 Koji Yakusho and 〈Anger〉 Aoi Miyazaki. Officially invited to the Competition section of the 53rd Cannes Film Festival, it won the FIPRESCI Prize and the Ecumenical Award. It also drew unanimous acclaim from media outlets and critics worldwide, including “the greatest narrative of salvation beyond violence and loss” (Variety) and “a wondrous and overwhelming cinematic experience that comforts the human soul” (Time Out). Now, it raises the expectations of Korean cinephiles who will finally get to experience the work on the big screen.

Meanwhile, “Lighthouse,” which imported and distributed 〈Eureka〉 as its first release, is a distribution company recently established by programmer Yang In-mo, who had previously presented multi-year program planning at art-house cinemas. Under the slogan “A home for light and film,” Lighthouse plans to introduce carefully selected films to audiences through a contemporary viewpoint and programming strategy.