Cast
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Aoi Nakamura
as Shu Tokieda
Chihiro Ohtsuka
as Akane Hojo
Mizuki Yamamoto
as Rui
Sho Aoyagi
as Junya
Akiyoshi Nakao
as Kojiro
Nobuaki Kaneko
as Atsushi Kodama
Jun Inoue
as Suzumoto
Yuta Kanai
as Karube
Motoki Ochiai
as Shun
Saburo Tamura
as Serizawa
Yôichi Okamura
as Naganuma
Nobuhiko Otani
as Mori
Mitsuru Fukikoshi
as Araki
Kanji Tsuda
as Police Officer
Mantaro Koichi
as Kobayakawa
Crew
Director
- Kiyoshi Sasabe
Producer
- Masaaki Usui
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Tokyo Refugees examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Kiyoshi Sasabe brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Tokyo Refugees took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 183 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1820 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Tokyo Refugees shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Hours, which focuses more on action than character development, Tokyo Refugees offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like 96 Souls and Wendy and Lucy explore similar territory, Tokyo Refugees stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 22, 2014
- Runtime: 2h 10m
