Obayashi’s first groundbreaking idol picture is a dazzling mix of special effects and blue-screen artifice—a stylistic flair perfected in his debut House, now utilized for the onset of an alien invasion. Ordinary schoolgirl Yuka’s new term comes to an odd start when she inexplicably stops an accident by using latent psychic powers. Troubled by her newfound abilities, Yuka also senses a strange force starting to take hold of the school, with students turning into mind-controlled fascists, patrolling school halls, stifling dissent, and mandating the re-education of freethinkers. School in the Crosshairs is a cosmic overload of extraterrestrial tyrants, preternatural powers, and Obayashi’s uniquely clever filmmaking, underlaid by an existential cry for free will.

Attendance is free and open to the public, and no prior registration is required. Seating is first-come, first-served, and doors open at 6:30 PM.

Presented in Japanese with English subtitles. Read more about the film, including ratings, at
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0125434/

Learn more about the CJS Winter 2026 Film Series at: https://myumi.ch/AZ8Ep
This film series is in partnership with Marquee Arts.

Accommodation: If there is anything we can do to make this event accessible to you, please contact us at cjsevents@umich.edu. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange.