Japanese film: I wish (奇跡) by Hirokazu Koreeda

This is one of the films selected for Brisbane International Film Festival.
This is lighthearted film about young brothers seperated by parents' divorce dream about reunion.
I enjoyed a lot the witty conversations by real life brothers Koki Maeda and Oshiro Maeda, who works as a professional comedian duo.
All the more, the casts are mostly my favourite actors and actresses.

It's very delightful and uplifting film not just for kids, but also for adults.

The 15th Japanese film festival: Yamakoshi- The Recovery of a Tiny Japanese Village

Among four films shown during 15th Japanese film festival, hosted by Consulate General of Japan in Brisbane, I instantly thought this was the film I should watch.

Other three films are major films, and I could probably rent DVDs in Japan if I want, but it would be unlikely to have a chance to watch this documentary film if I missed this chance. That's one reason I chose this film. The other reason is that the film is about recovery of a village from The Great Chuetsu Earthquake in Japan, which naturally made me think about the Great East Japan Earthquake in Japan. I wanted to see how people lived on their lives when The Chuetsu Earthquake happened.

I was moved by people's toughness and positive attitude towards the recovery. This beautiful village, set in a deep mountainous area, still keeps old tradition and customs. People help each other in every occasions and they get toghether at various sacred events. One young guy who lives in the village said "It is like a big family. It's great"  I was able to feel the warmth that you wouldn't get in city lives.

This film is highy recommended not just to learn about recovery from the earthquake but to know about Japanese traditional life styles which lost in most parts of Japan.

Official website: 1000年の山古志
Review: Twitch film

Japanese film "Norwegian wood" @ Palace Barracks

Norwegian wood is finally on air in Brisbane at Palace Barracks.

As I am a fun of Tran Anh Hung (director of The Vertical Ray of the Sun, The Scent of Green Papaya), I was very curious how he directed Haruki Murakami's novel.

I liked bits and pieces of the scenes but the world he depicted in the film was a lot more dramatic and emotional than the one I had sensed from the book. I wanted the film to be quiet and serene one.
What is your opinion??  

Another Ozu film- Ohayo, Good morning 1959

We borrowed another Ozu dvd from the library catalogue.
This one is totally different from Tokyo story we watched couple of month ago.
It's comical and heart warming.
And the boy on the right was super cute.
If you want to smile, this is the film to watch.

Tokyo story

The selection of DVDs at a local library is quite limited, but I occasionally find good documentaries, international films and some classics.

This time I found "Tokyo story" by director Ozu (Yasujiro Ozu).

There is no dramatic action, no samurai or geisha. Just describing everyday life of ordinary people in a quiet mannaer.

I like the way old couple stay calm, talk gently and still positive about their life even though they are feeling disappointed from their children's selfish behavior. A sorrowful yet heart warming great film.