On August 8th, Father』s Day in Taiwan, “KABEI─Our Mother”, a new film directed by Jiro Yamada, one of Japan』s most famous directors, was presented on the screen. The touching true story centers on an ordinary family surviving in Tokyo after the Pacific war had started. The father is unexpectedly put into jail leaving the mother to protect their children by herself during the war. Director Yamada collaborates together with Sayuri Yoshinaga on this film after a 34-year interval. Their previous film project together was “Otokowatsuraiyo Torajiro Koiyatsure” in 1974.
“KABEI” opens in 1940 Tokyo. The Nogami family had four members: Father, Mother, and daughters Hatsuko and Terumi. Their affection for each other is readily evident. No one would assume that tragedy would soon strike. The father, Shigeru Nogami, was a peace-loving writer. At that time, however, if anyone opposed the war, that person could be put into jail for the crime of criticizing the nation. Shigeru was arrested one morning and sentenced for his beliefs. The Nogami family』s chance for a normal life was now ruined.
The mother and daughters lived in anxiety, not knowing if they could ever see father again. Yet they found strength and support from friends and family. One of father』s former students, Mr. Yamasaki, worked in a press company. He did his best to help arrange visits to the father in prison. For this kindness, the Nogami family seemed to adopt Yamasaki and gave him the nickname “Yama-chan.” The father』s younger sister, Hisako, became more like another sister to the two girls instead of their aunt. Hatsuko was growing into a young woman in the anguish of puberty and little Terumi wanted to rebel. Their aunt』s warm, open, and exhilarating personality always caused great commotion around the household. The girls also had the antics of their uncle Senkichi to deal with. He would always get himself into a lot of trouble because of his lack of reservations.
The separated family could only make contact by letters. Hatsuko and Terumi wrote their father every day, detailing events like a diary to let him feel as if he was experiencing life with them. Mother』s motivation for life became the protection of her daughters. She would do anything to support them. One day, news came to the Nogami family which they could never imagine……but we cannot share the ending. You should see this film for yourself.
The story depicts turbulent times of political instability. People felt uneasy about the future, but there were still deep feelings of trust and love between people. Neighbors were close and they visited frequently. Although they had no blood relationship, they were always nice to each other and helped one another. It makes the audience think: during troubled times, what are the most important things to trust and protect?
Jiro Yamada, 76 years old this year, has used “family” as a theme for a long time. He excels at portraying different historical periods. His works “Otoko wa Tsurai yo” (It』s rough being a man) and “Shiawase no Kiiroi Hankachi” (The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness) are fairly famous among older Asian film fans. Once again director Yamada comes out on top with his sense of family in “KABEI.” In today』s world of modern rush you hardly ever see families eating together anymore even though they seem to have all their needs met. How often do neighbors reach out to help one another? I think those who experienced the older days can find happiness in their memories through this film despite the war and draconian government policies as a backdrop. A younger audience might yearn for something lost, especially in today』s Japan and China. The selfless love for family and the trust of neighbors can become a light for one walking in darkness.
Jiro Yamada』s “KABEI – Our Mother” was at the 32nd Hong Kong International Film Festival in the beginning of this year. It also was in the 58th Berlin International Film Festival, the only Japanese film entered.
“KABEI─Our Mother” is based on “Chichi e no rekuiemu” (Requiem for the father) written by Akira Kurosawa. It is an autobiography of Teruyo Nogami about her personal experience as a girl.
Reporter: Qin Xing
http://www.shenzhoufilm.com/sz/en/2008/08/26/a331.html 2008-8-26 11:38