Murakami Movie 'Norwegian Wood' Coming To U.S. Theaters

We just got word that "Norwegian Wood," the 2010 Japanese movie scored by Jonny Greenwood, and based on the 1987 Haruki Murakami novel, is headed for an "imminent US theatrical release." Imminent!!! This means progressives across the land will soon -- imminently soon -- have another way to distinguish themselves from the rabble (see: supporting Occupy Wall Street and eating lotus chips for past ways). A movie based on a Murakami novel is one thing. But a Japanese movie, scored by a member of Radiohead, based on a decades-old Murakami novel? Another point of honor entirely.

"Norwegian Wood" is directed by French-Vietnamese director Trahn Anh Hung, who spent four years corresponding with Murakami before the author allowed the film to start shooting. It stars "strange character" actor Kenichi Matsuyama alongside Spike Jonze's girlfriend, Rinko Kikuchi ("Babel"), who's also Japan's first Oscar-nominated actress in 50 years. Basically it doesn't get any hipper than this, so you know, get ready and stuff.

Check out a roughly-subtitled Japanese trailer for "Norwegian Wood":