MABOROSI
Ozu-inspred director Hirokazu Kore-eda made his first commercial fim (he typically does documentaries) with this elegantly realized and exquistely quiet little film about a young woman dealing with the aftermath of her husband's mysterious suicide. Japanese super-model Maikko Esumi embodies all the necessary stillness and inner reflection of this downtrodden character who is set up with the help of matchmacker 5 years later to marry a simple man (nicely played by Arika Emoto) in a remote, seaside fishing village in order to properly take of her and her young son who was only 3 months old when the first husband (much underused Tadanobu Asano) abruptly died. Gorgeous photography and amazingly nuanced performances make this a remarkable cinematic experience for those who desire something dleicately presented. No easy answers are fourthcoming in this touching drama, and all the much more powerful for it!! Quite a revelation in this age of nonsensical popcorn movies!! HIGHLY RECCOMENDED!!