Japanese Story

For me this is a film of two starkly contrasting parts; before Hiromitsu dies, which is a mostly clichéd story of culture clash etc., and after Hiromitsu dies, which is a genuinely powerful exploration of death and love. Indeed, the scenes involving Hiromitsu's death and the subsequent attempts by Sandy to move his limp body into their car are some of the best scenes in Australian cinema of the past 20 years. I rate the first part 45 and the second part 75, which gives an overall score of 60.

Drags on in the last portion. I get what they wanted to convey, but some messages are better when more succinct.

What a wonderful movie and love story. Toni Collette was magnificent in lead role and really pulled me into similar emotions. And the musical score was heavenly good. One of best films released in year 2003.