Hoga News

Comments on "Departures" Oscar nomination

  Japanese entry "Departures" was nominated in Oscar foreign language film category, and s ome Japanese media reports the comments of the actors and the director.

(Masahiro Motoki and Ryoko Hirosue, courtesy of Shochiku)

While Director Yojiro Takita, actor Masahiro Motoki and actress Ryoko Hirosue made pretty ordinary comments such as "unbelievable" and "glad to see common theme was understood", Tsutomu Yamazaki (the star of many Juzo Itami films, such as "Taxing Woman") made a bit interesting comment.  He plays the boss of the main character played by Motoki.

"American Academy Award, that's amazing.  The movie was made 2 years ago, so for me it is like a close friend who has been traveling together.  I knew he was making it big in Montreal, but sounds like he rode on and went as far as Hollywood.  It is like I hear rumors about this friend through other people.  I am concerned about him like 'so how could you afford it?  Did you have enough things to wear?'"

Source:  Sankei MSN

The most recent Japanese film nomination in the same category was "The Twighlight Samurai" by Yoji Yamada 5 years ago.  Some media report that Director Takita and Motoki are planning to attend the Oscar Award ceremony.

Here is one of the articles that show Takita and Motoki at the press conference today.

See this entry for more about "Departures".

Michi

"Departures" got US distribution

Regent Releasing, an indie film distributor, got North American distribution rights for "Departures", Japan's entry to Oscar Foreign Film this year.

According to the release, the theatrical release will be this coming summer.　　"Departures" are nominated in all the categories except for the Best Rookie and Best Foreign Film in Japan Academy Awards.

Here is the US official Website.

See this entry for more details about "Departures".

I had a chance to watch this movie, and I really liked it.  Despite of its "film festival favorite" status, it is quite accessible with right amount of tears, laughs and good taste.  Main couple, Masahiro Motoki and Ryoko Hirosue, are both nice looking and did a great acting.  Liked the beautiful scenery and music, too.  Often, "fun" movies and "critically acclaimed" movies become so separate, but I believe it is one of only few examples of "fun" and "good" movies.

Michi