Tegami

This is a nice drama about social stigma with some sweet romance on top. A man suffers discrimination and is ostracized in society because he has a brother who is in prison. I like how this movie doesn't paint this situation in black and white though. It shows how hard it is to survive in Japanese society, even if you are just guilty by (family) association with a criminal. But it also explains the reasons behind that mentality from, you could say, an evolutionary perspective. While this might not fit the current liberal Zeitgeist, it still makes sense. Some little things that happen storywise are a bit far fetched, but all in all it's a very enjoyable film with likeable characters.

Tegami is an interesting story about two brothers and their relationship. Naotaka Takeshima is the younger brother of Takashi Takeshima, who is convicted of murder. While the murder was accidental, Takashi kills an elderly woman, and is caught and placed in jail. In this society just being related to a criminal is enough for people to convict you as well. This is exactly what Naotaka has to deal with in the film Tegami. Throughout the film we see how Naotaka gets judged and discriminated against in his work as well as his personal life. Tegami also explores the brotherly relationship between Naotoka and Takashi and the strains that incarceration can cause.

Tegami brings up interesting social issues while also telling a captivating story. From start to finish there is always something worthwhile on the screen. The performances throughout are extremely well done. Every character seems to have a story to tell. In this film everything comes together so smoothly.

Another interesting part of this movie is that the subtle attributes of the background music, that is usually ignored in other films, is so well placed that it enhances the mood and adds more depth to scenes. This is especially true in the last scene. The music enhances the mood that is created by the last scene and makes this scene more captivating to watch.

While the film is a drama there is comedy placed throughout. While Naotaka is trying to salvage his life, despite what might happen to his incarcerated brother, Naotaka is also an aspiring stand-up comedian. The comedy is very subtle but is allows the break from the serious mood that would be overwhelming, especially in the final scene.

Overall this film is entertaining from start to finish. With enjoyable performances and a captivating story this makes this film a nice entertainment. Tegami allows for all kinds of audiences to enjoy it. The style of Tegami does not depend on the knowledge of Japanese style films, instead it can be enjoyed by all audiences.

Tegami is about the struggles of Nao (Yamada Takayuki) whose brother (Tamayama Tetsuji) was convicted for murder. In an extremely civilized country like Japan, only people with really twisted minds are considered to be capable of murder. This movie follows the obstacles and challenges Nao faces because he shares his blood with a murderer, with help of a friend Yumiko (Sawajiri Erika) in the span of approximately 10 years. The title "Tegami" (The Letters) comes from the letters Nao and his brother exchange over these years.

Yamada Takayuki and Tamayama Tetsuji's acting were extremely good in this film, Tegami is worth watching just for Tamayama's scene in the very end. This movie is beautifully directed with perfect background music.

Out of about 80 Japanese films I've seen so far, Tegami has the best ending scene of all. I don't expect everyone to cry, but your heart is frozen if it doesn't at least touch you, especially if you understand Japanese. I personally got goosebumps as soon as Oda Kazumasa's timeless masterpiece, "Kotoba ni Dekinai" started playing. This is a movie that deals with contemporary issues and problems in Japan. Definitely a must-watch movie of 2006.