Cast
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Rina Takeda
as Suzume Akamatsu
Yutaka Kobayashi
as Kenichi Okazaki
Kazuko Yoshiyuki
as Tome Miyoshi
Takashi Naito
as Takeo Akamatsu
Yūki Meguro
as Tatsuzo Akamatsu
Maki Miyamoto
as Hideko Hyodo
Satoshi Nikaido
as Takayuki Harada
Yuki Saso
as Hana Harada
Yuuka Ueno
as Misaki Watabe
Hisanori Sato
as Sota Seike
Yumiko Nogawa
as Sachi Toda
Eiji Kotoge
as Editor Mitsui
Mizuki Nishimura
as Editor Kobayashi
Hidekazu Akai
as Fisherman Yamada
Nana Okada
as Kyoko Akamatsu
Crew
Director
- Ken'ichi Ohmori
Writer
- Ken'ichi Ohmori
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Book Peddler 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 Ken'ichi Ohmori 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 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Book Peddler took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 297 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1875 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Book Peddler shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Summer '04, which focuses more on action than character development, The Book Peddler offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Hole and 7 Virgins explore similar territory, The Book Peddler stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: July 2, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 48m
