Backdrop preview The Village Album backdrop
The Village Album

The Village Album (2004)

Apr 23, 2004 1h 51m Drama

Hanatani Village in the valley of Tokushima Prefecture is going to be submerged when a dam is constructed. In order to preserve the beauty of the place for future generations, the villagers decide to take photographs of all the families in the village. Kenichi, the only photographer in the village, is put in charge of the project. He calls his son Takashi, an aspiring photographer, to help him with the task. Takashi is puzzled since his father and he are not at all close, but as they visit each family in turn and Takashi sees his father working, Takashi's feelings towards his father begin to change.

Directed by Mitsuhiro Mihara

Cast

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Tatsuya Fuji
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Tatsuya Fuji

as Takahashi Kenichi

Ken Kaito
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Ken Kaito

as Takahashi Takashi

Mao Miyaji
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Mao Miyaji

as Kana Takahashi

Masahiro Koumoto
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Masahiro Koumoto

as

Pace Wu Pui-Tsi
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Pace Wu Pui-Tsi

as Rin

Tomoyo Harada
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Tomoyo Harada

as Takahashi Noriko

Mutsuko Sakura
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Mutsuko Sakura

as

Kazue Fukiishi
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Kazue Fukiishi

as

Ren Osugi
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Ren Osugi

as

Crew

Director
  • Mitsuhiro Mihara

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Village Album 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 Mitsuhiro Mihara 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 2004, 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 The Village Album took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 173 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The film contains approximately 1633 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2004, when this film is released:
  • The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
  • Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: April 23, 2004
  • Runtime: 1h 51m

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