In case you missed it … ‘Japanese Story’

Japanese Story (2003) is an Australian film written by Alison Tilson and directed by Sue Brooks. I first watched this DVD out of pure curiosity, primarily out of an interest in Toni Collete’s performance. Little did I know I’d discover such a fascinating and powerful drama of human consequences.

Toni Collette plays Sandy Edwards, an Australian geologist who reluctantly hosts Hiromitsu, a young Japanese businessman, as she gives him a tour of the Outback. Hiromitsu’s company is pursuing a business venture with the Australian mining company that Sandy represents. During their trip, an unlikely bond occurs and the two characters find themselves passionately drawn to each other. The story centers entirely on this relationship, until a sudden tragic event throws the audience’s emotions into a screeching u-turn.

Japanese Story continues to amaze me, with Collette carrying the film as Hiromitsu rarely speaks (and speaks no English). The cinematography in this film is absolutely amazing, but much of that (I’m sure) is heavily influenced by my own personal fascination with the Australian landscape. I highly recommend giving this DVD a serious look, but will offer this one bit of guidance: while I hold no judgements against “tear-jerker” movies, this movie will likely squeeze at least one tiny tear out of the hardest, toughest most insensitive sack of nails you could find. So, if you’re comfortable dealing with “tragic” stories, Japanese Story is a rare gem featuring one stellar performance in a modern culture of films that heavily rely on larger casts.