Cast
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Kei Mizutani
as Keiko Nakadai
Takashi Sumida
as Minoru Yamagishi
Yasuyo Shirashima
as Kaori Shimamori
Saori Taira
as Michiko Kawai
Ren Osugi
as Yoichi Hamamoto
Hideyo Amamoto
as Chairman Shimamori
Kunihiko Ida
as Masao Yanabe
Hiroshi Okochi
as Cook
Satoru Saito
as President Gondo
Satoru Okubo
as Newscaster
Katsue Sato
as Newscaster
Yuu Tokui
as Guardsman
Yoshiaki Umegaki
as Golden Man
Fumiko Miura
as Girl
Ginnosuke Azuma
as Mr. Shirarui
Crew
Director
- Tomoaki Hosoyama
Writer
- Tomoaki Hosoyama
Producer
- Atsuhito Kaji
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Weather Woman explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Tomoaki Hosoyama 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1996, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Weather Woman took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 120 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1230 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Weather Woman shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Steamboat Bill, Jr., which focuses more on action than character development, Weather Woman offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Lucky Numbers and Carry On Cabby explore similar territory, Weather Woman stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: August 16, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 25m
