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A Japanese merchant who leaves his wife behind in order to travel to Manchuria, where he witnesses an act of barbarism. His subsequent actions cause misunderstanding, jealousy and legal prob... Read allA Japanese merchant who leaves his wife behind in order to travel to Manchuria, where he witnesses an act of barbarism. His subsequent actions cause misunderstanding, jealousy and legal problems for his wife.A Japanese merchant who leaves his wife behind in order to travel to Manchuria, where he witnesses an act of barbarism. His subsequent actions cause misunderstanding, jealousy and legal problems for his wife.
- Director
- Writers
- Stars
- Awards
- 7 wins & 9 nominations total
Issei Takahashi
- Yusaku Fukuhara
- (as Issey Takahashi)
- Director
- Writers
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Kiyoshi Kurosawa's "Supai no tsuma" ("Wife of a Spy" in English) is about a woman in 1940s Japan married to a man suspected of being a double agent. It's one of those movies that manages to be romantic and intense at the same time.
One thing about it that I hope catches viewers' attention is the Japanese authorities' discussion of events in China. It refers to Unit 731, where Japanese troops performed horrific scientific experiments on the Chinese. This was just one of countless monstrous war crimes carried out by the Japanese troops in the '30s and '40s. While there was some prosecution of these atrocities, most of them got swept under the rug. No doubt it'll take years to fully expose the war criminals. It's perfectly understandable why Satoko and Yusaku do what they do.
Anyway, it's a fine look at Japan. The generations since WWII have been unwilling to fully acknowledge the country's war crimes; maybe the younger generation will be willing to.
One thing about it that I hope catches viewers' attention is the Japanese authorities' discussion of events in China. It refers to Unit 731, where Japanese troops performed horrific scientific experiments on the Chinese. This was just one of countless monstrous war crimes carried out by the Japanese troops in the '30s and '40s. While there was some prosecution of these atrocities, most of them got swept under the rug. No doubt it'll take years to fully expose the war criminals. It's perfectly understandable why Satoko and Yusaku do what they do.
Anyway, it's a fine look at Japan. The generations since WWII have been unwilling to fully acknowledge the country's war crimes; maybe the younger generation will be willing to.
It's an average, feel-good film at best with a very good universal message. How the Jury of Venice 2020 film festival headed by Cate Blanchett bestowed this film with the Best Director Award beats logic. Was it because the lead character was a film director? That must have pleased jury member Joanna Hogg. This incredible jury thought that Konchalovsky did not deserve the Best Director award for "Dear Comrades!" a vastly superior work but instead bestowed it the Jury's Special Prize as a consolation. This same jury gave another below par film from Mexico's Michel Franco called "The New Order" the Grand Jury Prize. The Bosnian film "Quo vadi, Aida?" was overlooked but thankfully it is in the Oscar race. Look closely at the awards and the jury seemed to give some award or other to all the nominees, often having questionable merit. Luckily, for us the Gold Lion went to a deserving work "Nomadland."
The script will make you recall "The Shawshank Redemption" though the tales are in different settings.
"Wife of a spy" is a good vehicle for the Kill Bill 1 and 2 actor Issey Takahashi. Little else.
The script will make you recall "The Shawshank Redemption" though the tales are in different settings.
"Wife of a spy" is a good vehicle for the Kill Bill 1 and 2 actor Issey Takahashi. Little else.
And end with an even longer cry. The story though might be interresting, but not exactly as exciting as could be.its made in a japanese customly humble and cultural driven manner, and very theatrical in its execution. Its a fingerpinchsize of a daring topic to raise, namely the years before ww2 japan, where manchuria was the battle field, the nipponese fascism near its summit, and where spies operated everywhere and upon everyone. Being a wife to a spy is a dire choice of existece, and when you dont know what to believe, even from your right hand side, then tragedy is pretty near.
Its a pretty classical japanese production on a tv broadcaster budget, its pretty rigid on outdoor scenes, and plentyfilled with tears and agony. Some historical images there are but not of the cruel stuff. There are no sex and nudity, barely a kiss to see, but drama youll get if you want that. The grumpy old man had expected more due to norwegian broadcaster nrk's ''the film police'' review.
Its a pretty classical japanese production on a tv broadcaster budget, its pretty rigid on outdoor scenes, and plentyfilled with tears and agony. Some historical images there are but not of the cruel stuff. There are no sex and nudity, barely a kiss to see, but drama youll get if you want that. The grumpy old man had expected more due to norwegian broadcaster nrk's ''the film police'' review.
'Wife Of A Spy (2020)' is a historical thriller in which a woman begins to suspect her husband is hiding something when he returns from a business trip. Set during the second world war, the flick focuses on the way in which Japan is changing and demands its citizens do the same. The central character initially cares only for her own safety and happiness (which includes the safety and happiness of her husband), but soon becomes to realise that it's impossible to remain apolitical in an increasingly political world. War cannot be ignored, no matter how hard you try. Though it may sound like a suspenseful story full of enigmatic intrigue, the narrative actually presents itself mostly as a quiet drama. It focuses far more on its characters than on its plot, though these elements do obviously influence each other heavily, and is much slower than you may expect. Claims that it's Kurosawa's attempt at Hitchcock seem slightly off the mark. That doesn't mean it's bad, of course. It's generally compelling and has moments of more concentrated excitement. Plus, its overall tapestry is fairly tactile and it takes a slightly distinct approach to its material. It doesn't seem to quite know how to wrap things up, opting to present an extended epilogue that feels fairly baggy and even a little thematically dissonant. The English-language acting, as infrequent as it is, is noticeably bad; it honestly takes you out of the experience. Despite its issues, though, it's an entertaining affair overall. It's a well-achieved film in almost every technical aspect. Ultimately, it's a solid character study by way of a WWII espionage thriller.
10highjin
I don't know how good country you live in, But want you to remember that someone live in a crazy world that handful hypocrites get all of justices. Do you know how suffocated reality it is that most of the movies released in your country are only praise and glorify the government? From that point of view, the fact that such a movie comes out is a proof that the society and the artist healthy.
The last scream of Aoi Yu is the same as someone's scream today who is choked by fascism more than a pandemic. If you are an artist, I think you can feel the same way. Of course, if you're a true artist, not a flattering Lier.
Director Kiyoshi Kurosawa's films always have a keen message about the world, but this film seems to express a more plain and honest feeling. Although it is a political film, it does not miss a sense of cinematic tension. And Aoi Yu's acting was really as beautiful as her appearance.
I feel infinite gratitude for exist of such a film, In a fascist world everyone call themselves justice. Because of these art, I can breathe.
Did you know
- TriviaWhen Fumio and Yusaku are about to depart to Manchuria, Fumio mentions "Here we go to settler's paradise". This refers to the propaganda regarding the massive migration program undertook by the Japanese government called "Millions to Manchuria" that sent hundreds of thousands of peasants to settle and colonize the rural areas of northern Manchuria (Manchukuo at the time).
- GoofsAfter their departing British friend gives them silk in an early scene, Yusaku suggests making it into western-style clothes. Satoko warns that this will go against the new National Uniform Edict. A few scenes later, Yusaku leaves for a business trip to Manchuria. While he is away, Satoko hears on the radio that the Tripartite Pact has been signed with Germany and Italy. The radio makes clear that the date is September 27, 1940. However, the National Uniform Edict was not issued until over a month later, on November 2, 1940, meaning it would not have been in effect during the earlier scene with the silk.
- ConnectionsFeatures Kôchiyama Sôshun (1936)
Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $69,464
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $7,162
- Sep 19, 2021
- Gross worldwide
- $2,292,553
- Runtime1 hour 55 minutes
- Color
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