Kiraware Matsuko no isshô

This is not the film starring Miki Nakatani, but the TV series. Rina Uchiyama, who is an accomplished actress and beautiful, plays the kind but weak title character flawlessly. With every look, you see the pain, hope and sadness. This series takes some fun out of the story, whereas the film was considered to be, at least in Japan, a comedy. The characters who make up this story go in and out of Matsuko's life, once in a while helping her but more often leading her into an unfortunate fate. The story itself, however, is so compelling and realized that you can watch this and not truly miss the film. Give all the credit to the wonderful Ms. Uchiyama, who makes Matsuko her own. Not perfect but recommended.