Cast
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Mayuko Sasaki
as Tomiko Tachibana
Keisaku Kimura
as Ryûzô Sakata
Yoshikata Matsuki
as Mamoru Tachibana
Koharu Yamasaki
as Kyôko Yano
Hôryû Nakamura
as Akira
Yukijiro Hotaru
as Yutaka
Ken'ichi Kanbe
as Patient on Crutches
Shiori Kawamura
as Nurse/Kaori
Hiroyuki Kawasaki
as Hiroyuki
Kanae Mizuhara
as Kanae
Toshimasa Niiro
as Akio
Kumiko Mori
as Rumiko / Kumiko
Crew
Director
- Daisuke Gotô
Writer
- Daisuke Gotô
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Mourning Wife 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 Daisuke Gotô 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 2001, 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 Mourning Wife took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 60 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 105 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1271 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2001, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Mourning Wife shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kindan: Seifuku no modae, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Mourning Wife subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Danchi tsuma: Nyuu taun bôkô-ma and Banned: Woman's Secret Pictures explore similar territory, Mourning Wife stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 28, 2001
- Runtime: 1h
