Maborosi 1995
Distributed by Milestone Films & Video, PO Box 128, Harrington Park, NJ 07640-0128; 800-603-1104
Produced by Naoe Gozu
Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda
DVD , color, 110 min., Japanese with English subtitles
General Adult
Film, Japanese Cinema
Date Entered: 10/26/2018
Reviewed by Barb Kundanis, Longmont Public Library, Longmont, COMaborosi tells the story of Yumiko who lives a simple life in an Osaka apartment with her husband and baby where they are apparently in love and happy. Her husband dies (from a possible suicide) and Yumiko is left alone with the baby. Years later, she remarries and moves to a remote village by the Sea of Japan. There she tries to come alive from her sadness.
This a beautiful film that captures life's moments in a quiet way. Sounds (bells, sewing machines, trains) in Osaka are used to evoke memory and in the village, the sea is omnipresent. The striking cinematography creates a meditative atmosphere and draws the viewer in.
This is the first feature (1995) by Hirokazu Kore-eda (winner of 2018 Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for Shoplifters). Film students will find much to learn from and appreciate in his style. Those not familiar with his work will want to explore his filmography.