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Japanese Story on DVD (2004)

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Average rating: 58%
26311820121324
3.0
from 1,113 members
 
Starring: Toni Collette, Gotaro Tsunashima, Matthew Dyktynski, Lynette Curran
Director: Sue Brooks
Studio: HIGH FLIERS
Run time: 107 mins
Certificate: 15
Collections: 100 Feisty Females
User collections: Australian Style, something diferent, My Favourite Australian Films
Genres: Drama, Romance
Languages: English
Released: 13/09/2004

Brief synopsis of Japanese Story

This romantic drama stars Toni Collette as Sandy, a high-strung Australian geologist assigned to escort Japanese businessman Hirotmitsu (Gotaro Tsunashima) on a tour through the outback. Ostensibly he's there to visit the various mines his company co-owns, but his real motives are mysterious and soon he is urging her to drive deep into the middle of the Pilabra Desert. A mutual dislike for one another, enhanced by vast cultural differences keep them at arm's length at first, but when their jeep gets mired in sand in the middle of nowhere, their fight for survival leads them towards a deep human connection. They find themselves falling in love as they drift aimlessly amidst the desolate beauty of the area, but soon comes a sudden, unexpected shock.
Written by Alison Tilson and directed by Sue Brooks, JAPANESE STORY explores the distances between cultures, people, and the vast emptiness of Australia's interior regions. Yet even the spectacular desert scenery can't compete with Collette's complex stunner of a performance. Suntanned, tender, gutsy and raw, she plumbs frighteningly real depths of emotion and vulnerability. Tsunashima is also excellent, bringing simplicity and grace to an enigmatic role.

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Critics Reviews

Rating of 4 stars out of 5 Radio Times

Probably best summed up by John Lennon's observation that life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans, Sue Brooks's emotionally devastating film starts out as a relatively unpromising culture-clash romance, before becoming something unexpectedly profound. Geologist Toni Collette is saddled with an initially arrogant and cold Japanese businessman (Gotaro Tsunashima) for a research trip into the hostile Australian outback. Forced to survive a night in the freezing desert, an odd and tender relationship develops between the two. But then the drama suddenly shifts gear, forcing the viewer to re-evaluate both their own basic assumptions and those of the characters. To reveal any more would ruin this carefully constructed, intelligent and well-acted film, but what can be said is that as a depiction of the odd curve balls life can throw, Japanese Story is probably all but unsurpassable.

Rating of 2 stars out of 4 Halliwell's Film Guide

Enmgrossing drama that begins as a clash between two cultures, one formal, the other casual, and then unexpectedly develops into a moving and emotional study of a woman in crisis.

Empire

"... A raw emotional journey... Spectacular... Remarkable..."

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Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 3 starsGreat scenery great machinery

Rip from Manchester [Highly rated reviewer] , 20/03/2006

I found this film beautiful, visually and it is refreshing to see a film which studies real life as opposed to fantasy.

I thought some of the scenes were protracted rather more than they needed to be, and there were a couple of moments where there was some over-acting.

On balance though the acting overall was good. Seeing some of the mining machinery close up was a bonus too.

I enjoyed watching the film it was unusual and real.

  39 out of 39 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 5 starsToni Collette is outstanding!

Charlie White from London, UK , 22/02/2005

This has to be Toni Collette's finest films to date, and one which had me thinking about it days later (always a good sign). It is not your typical romance film where girl meets boy/falls in love etc, it is more gutsier than that and Toni Collette's outstanding performance makes this film one not to be missed. Without giving away the plot, I can say that if you see this film you definitely will won't be disappointed, I will be renting it out again to watch - for sure!

  20 out of 28 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 starsLittle Gem

Ganton from Hertfordshire , 24/09/2004

This is one of those slow burn movies that creeps up on you and gradually pulls you in. It starts out slow so stick with it, this really is a film of elegance and beauty. Delightfully shot, with so first rate acting.

The problem is that it is impossible to tell the plot without ruining the film, so my advice is ignore any reviews that give you a plot summary and just let this captivating, emotionally draining film work it's quiet magic on you.

The best Aussie film since 'Chopper'. Although in no way similiar.

  14 out of 14 people found this review helpful
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Most Recent Reviews

Rated - 4 starsLittle Gem

Ganton from Hertfordshire , 24/09/2004

This is one of those slow burn movies that creeps up on you and gradually pulls you in. It starts out slow so stick with it, this really is a film of elegance and beauty. Delightfully shot, with so first rate acting.

The problem is that it is impossible to tell the plot without ruining the film, so my advice is ignore any reviews that give you a plot summary and just let this captivating, emotionally draining film work it's quiet magic on you.

The best Aussie film since 'Chopper'. Although in no way similiar.

  14 out of 14 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 starsFunny, sad, moving.

Rory Aitken from Totnes England , 18/04/2005

A good film, if not great. Superb acting by Toni Collette, it felt so real.

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
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