Tokyo biyori

This is one of my very favorite films. For me, it had a good script, a plot, a good cast and a great film score. I think the casting is excellent. The cinematography is very beautiful but not overindulgent. The theme track throughout is simple but so many variations make it interesting and enhance the "moments" in the film.

This film had moments that were really touching. I don't think it was possible to fully comprehend what the wife was thinking all the time but nevertheless, their love had some very tender and sweet moments.

The story is based on the diary of a famous photographer. In the diary, he wrote about the little things that happened in his married life when his wife was still alive. Unlike "The Key(1997)" directed by Toshiharu Ikeda where there was someone actually reading from a diary, this show only had narration in the background. The pace of the film was rather slow at times.

Naoto Takenata was the director cum main actor. He had a funny role in "Shall We Dance?(1996)" directed by Masayuki Suo but he looked serious in this film. He would drink with his friends and leave his wife somewhere else. One of his friends is Takako Matsu. I think she looked quite studious with the thick spectacles!

Miho Nakayama acted as the wife. Most of the time, she was not too sociable and seldom talked to her colleagues. But, there were a few scenes that showed her playfulness. One of them showed her stopping a can from rolling in the train with a single tap of the foot. She was quite proud of her feat and the husband smiled lovingly. That was one of my favorite scenes!

The scenery of the place where the couple had their second honeymoon was beautiful! They walked in the streets together and the wife even had a nap on a boat. I think I would travel there the next time I visit Japan!

This is a very good movie, the actors are very good. This movie have a good feeling.

(poor English:-)