Eno nakano bokuno mura

"E no naka no boku no mura" is a really astonishing film absolutely deserving the silver bear from the Berlinale 1996 for Yoichi Higashi. A film about two japanese painters telling the story of their childhood on the japanese countryside this film creates a striking picture of japanese country life in 1948.

This is a film about two (very naughty but cute!) twins growing up in the post-World War II Japan countryside. The brothers grow up to become artists, one in Kyoto and the other in Tokyo, and the film is their reflection back on their early school days growing up, around ages 8-10 and living in a sylvan country village. I didn't find the film (which I just saw on video) to be captivating, but it was perhaps worth watching to enjoy a bit of local color and get a sense of what late 1940s rural Japan might have been like. --Dilip 12/30/2001

This is a truly marvelous little film. The world as seen through the eyes of young Japanese twin boys in a post-war rural village. Full of drama and humor, as well as magical criticism from a trio of old women. Not only an intimate look at childhood but at Japanese life as well. An excellent film.

The Music is a very pleasant adaptation of Western Medieaval tunes.

The Magic Realism which Latin America has laid somewhat of a claim to, is lovely used here, of course giving a 'true' Japanese touch to the supernatural stuff.

The scenery and imagery is breathtaking !! And the twin boys, who's story this is, are a delight.

Mama plays great too, and the director has a gentle and good touch for all the other kids, which means he is a fine craftsman.

Soft, laid back, nostalgic and utterly charming, this story is a heartwarming winner, and can't be recommended enough !! What an enormous pleasure !