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Japanese Story (2003)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writer:
Alison Tilson (written by)
Release Date:
25 September 2003 (Australia)
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Plot:
Against the background of an Australian desert landscape, so much space and so few people, Sandy, a geologist...
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Awards:
20 wins
&
11 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(6 articles)
Ghost in the Shell Gets Writer
(From Beyond Hollywood. 23 October 2009, 10:02 AM, PDT)
Wolverine Creator Expects 'Noble Warrior' In Movie's Sequel, Comments On 'Watchmen' Ending
(From MTV Splash Page. 16 October 2009, 8:17 AM, PDT)
(From Beyond Hollywood. 23 October 2009, 10:02 AM, PDT)
Wolverine Creator Expects 'Noble Warrior' In Movie's Sequel, Comments On 'Watchmen' Ending
(From MTV Splash Page. 16 October 2009, 8:17 AM, PDT)
User Comments:
Story for both of us
more (110 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Toni Collette | ... | Sandy Edwards |
 | Gotaro Tsunashima | ... | Hiromitsu Tachibana |
| Matthew Dyktynski | ... | Bill Baird |
| Lynette Curran | ... | Mum |
| Yumiko Tanaka | ... | Yukiko Tachibana |
| Kate Atkinson | ... | Jackie |
 | Bill Young | ... | Jimmy Smithers |
| Reg Evans | ... | Bloke in Row Boat |
| George Shevtsov | ... | James |
| Justine Clarke | ... | Jane |
| Igor Sas | ... | Fraser |
| Mike Frencham | ... | Blake |
| John Howard | ... | Richards |
| Phil Bennett | ... | Barman |
| Heath Bergersen | ... | Petrol Bloke |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated R for some sexuality and language.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
Australia:110 min | France:105 min (Cannes Film Festival) | USA:100 min (TV version) | Argentina:107 min
Country:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Argentina:13 |
Malaysia:18SX (uncut version) |
Malaysia:U (edited version) |
Canada:PG (Ontario) |
Australia:M |
Singapore:M18 (re-rating) |
UK:15 |
USA:R
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Soundtrack:
April Sun in Cuba
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (110 total)
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This is as much an Australian story as a Japanese one. We are not about to turn Japanese, but our close economic relationship over the last 50 years has to some extent transcended the cultural gap that divides us, and the bitterness of World War 2. On one level, this is a very personal story of two people from different cultures who become closer than they might have imagined. On another level it examines two very different cultures tied together by economic necessity. These themes are played out in a truly awe- inspiring ancient landscape, which, as others have remarked, is a character on its own.
I've not been to the Pilbara, but I've been to places like it elsewhere in Australia, and they tend to have the effect of reminding you of the fragility of your existence. The Aborigines (represented here by only a gas station attendant) regarded themselves as belonging to the land and here you can see why. It's not clear what Tachibana Hiromitsu, the rich businessman's son, is looking for in the desert, but he certainly feels its power. Just why Sandy the tough female geologist comes to harbour tender feelings towards him is not evident either; perhaps it's the mothering instinct at work- he's not an adaptable kind of guy and perhaps she senses his vulnerability.
Apart from the firm refusal to turn this film into a romantic comedy, despite some `When Harry Met Sally' moments, there are several other things going for it. First there is Toni Collette's entirely convincing performance which overcomes some weaknesses in the storyline (and improbabilities in her character). She has a lot of ground to cover, from boredom to hilarity, from dislike to intimacy, and from terror to melancholy.
Second, the cinematography fully exploits the scenery without detracting from the story. Much of `Japanese Story' was filmed around Port Headland in the Pilbara, but it's not a tourist brochure. Third, even the minor parts are played with precision (eg John Howard as the BHP man and Yukimo Tanaka as Tachibana's wife). It's difficult to judge just how effective Gotaro Tsunashima is – you'd need to be Japanese, I guess, and anyway the script is from an Australian, Alison Tilson. To my eyes he seems real enough, if we accept he's from a very privileged and sheltered background. It's interesting that Sandy seems to be the initiator of their intimacy (he doesn't resist!).
I think this film would hold up well anywhere. It has more than the usual emotional content for an Australian film, an intriguing and poignant story, good acting, and it's not too long. The admission price is also considerably cheaper than an air ticket to Port Headland.