The Japanese Wife

The Japanese Wife is quite different from what we generally see in the trash of Bollywood. The use of symbolism in various scenes is quite evident in the movie. Though I find the scenario of the Bengali village very backward, may be because I am from metropolis. This is a brilliant piece of work by the crew. It is a Love story that is the only thing I want to tell as I don't want to spoil the fun of watching it. Meaning of the Love and Marriage is redefine in it. The only disappointment is that there is the use of Bangla/Bengali language in major part of the movie which I as an non-Bengali unable to understand. But even then it evoke emotions within me. And I took the whole pain of registering here on this website just to write that it is a MUST WATCH movie. Hoping that distributors might be giving some subtitle along with the DVD for this movie.

"One day I will come to you floating down this river (river Matla) just like a sailing boat" a platonic love that needs no technical gizmos and beyond the constrains of cultural, language, distance, social dogmas .... 'A rare gem' as many film makers call this movie, a poignant story, a smooth soft flow ..

first i would miss it if i would not be suggested by my friend ..thank god..i didn't.....it is such a wonderful movie with great acting,direction and the environment they set up,i have never seen in Indian movies this year.gradually the story continues..it will hold on to your mind gracefully.everybody in this film played their character very well and Rahul bose..he is an excellent.apart from "mr & mrs iyer","15th park avenue"..this film is "one piece" of its kind.aparna sen has again showed her quality as a director in this film.

i would say,this is not the genre that everybody will like it.but the love story and the representation of the simple story ..is such that you should watch it at least once,then you will know the charm of this film. yes,i would recommend tat you should watch the film without any "second thought".

You won't take your eyes off the screen from the opening scene to the closing credits of "The Japanese Wife." Although this is a simple love story, it's visual style and look reminded me of another great Indian film, "Water" which also had a female director, Deepa Mehta. Aparna Sen, the director of "The Japanese Wife" uses the visual beauty of India, especially the rivers, as effectively as the cinematography of "Water."

The acting is superb, as Rahul Bose and Chigusa Takaku as the star-crossed spouses are excellent. The supporting cast, mainly the aunt (Moushoumi Chatterjee) and a little boy(Rudranil Ghosh) are both very good.

The story is a very basic one showing 2 people of vastly different cultures falling in love via letter writing. The universal message of loneliness and yearning are depicted in a very interesting way.

Even as a cynical American, I cannot recommend this film highly enough.

Aparna Sen did it again or to be precise even better than before. What all ingredients you want in a romantic movie, probably you won't find them in The Japanese Wife. But more importantly they have a story to tell and they told it very subtly.

Snehamoy (Rahul Bose) a school teacher in an Indian village fell in love Miyage (Chigusa Takaku) through the medium of letters; and so does Miyage. That love turns to marriage and hence starts their married life without seeing each other in person. There are many movies with similar theme, but most of them ends here. That's the different, this movie starts with their marriage. It was refreshing to see how they carry forward their marriage on letters. There are only letters for first half and hour or so. There are lovely little village incidents (kite flying, etc.) all through the movie. And ended on a perfect note.

Full marks to Rahul Bose for getting in Snehamoy's skin. Convincing performance from rest of the cast. The best part about the movie is quite vivid and imaginative use of props, background and music.

Though I am not a big fan of romantic movies. I enjoyed the movie to the core with my limited Bengali. Try and get a copy with English subtitle if possible.

Take away - watch it till the end, u'll be reward.