(aka 'Chichi to kuraseba' or 'The Face of Jizo')
Directed by
Kazuo Kuroki
Japan 2004
This deceptively haunting film is based on the sensitive play by Inoue Hisashi.
Chichi to Kuraseba (English title: The Face
of Jizo) is set in
Hiroshima in 1948. The film dramatizes the life of a pretty girl, Mitsue (Rie Miyazawa from
Twilight Samurai and
Peony Pavillion), who continues to be tormented by enormous feelings of
guilt for having been the only one in her family and friends to have survived
the atomic blast. Subtly detailing the traumatic lives of bombing
survivors living in postwar Japan, its narrative focuses on the close
relationship between a loving father and his devoted daughter. Her father Takezo
(Yoshio Harada from 9 Souls and
Azumi), we soon learn, is an apparition built from her imagination. It
exists to help her cope. He remains a counselor, a mentor, and a true friend.
When a handsome, but shy researcher named Kinoshita (Tadanobu Asano from
Zatoichi and
Ichi the Killer)
enters her library, Takezo encourages his daughter
to accept his gentle advances. Despite her father's
wishes, Mitsue ignores Kinoshita refusing to accept she is worthy of happiness.
We are left with an under-examined issue in typical Japanese under-stated
fashion, although when the dialogue ventures to the topic - it is heart
wrenching and unforgettable. A powerful and meaningful film - the story of one
girl - a survivor of the A-bomb. 
out of
Poster
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Theatrical Release: August 31st, 2004 - Tokyo
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
DVD Review: Bandai Visual - Region 2 - NTSC
| DVD Box Cover |
|
CLICK to order from:
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 |
NOTE: There is a 'Premium Edition' of this film also on
DVD by Bandai Visuals. It is 2 disc package, only moderately more expensive
at this time, does have English subtitles on the main feature but we have no
idea about subs on the extras (making-of featurette, press conference
footage, trailers). As it was released at the same time we will assume the
transfers are identical.
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| Distribution | Bandai Visual - Region 2 - NTSC | |
| Runtime | 1:38:27 | |
| Video | 1.85:1
Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 8.71 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s |
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NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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| Bitrate: |
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| Audio | Japanese (Dolby Digital 2.0) | |
| Subtitles | English, Japanese, None | |
| Features |
Release Information:
Edition Details: • none |
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| Comments: |
Bandai usually produce excellent DVDs, and this appears to be no exception. Soft pallet colors and a non-manipulated image show a very film-like appearance. Anamorphic to the correct aspect ratio and progressive there is a slight greenish filter which we have seen before in many Asian films. Audio is clear and consistent and the optional subtitles are easily discernable. I was very moved by this film and strongly recommend the DVD. |
DVD Menus
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Subtitle Sample
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Screen Captures
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| DVD Box Cover |
|
CLICK to order from:
Thinking of buying from YesAsia? CLICK HERE and use THIS UPDATED BEAVER PAGE to source their very best... |
|
|
NOTE: There is a 'Premium Edition' of this film also on
DVD by Bandai Visuals. It is 2 disc package, only moderately more expensive
at this time, does have English subtitles on the main feature but we have no
idea about subs on the extras (making-of featurette, press conference
footage, trailers). As it was released at the same time we will assume the
transfers are identical.
|
|
| Distribution | Bandai Visual - Region 2 - NTSC | |
Mail cheques, money orders, cash to: or CLICK PayPal logo to donate!
|
Gary Tooze
Mississauga, Ontario, CANADA |
|
Thank You!
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