films seen
8
average score
3.37*
nationality
Japan - 48 years old
status
Alive and kicking
more info

Movies


A wonderful collection of shorts, visually pleasing, fun to watch and from time to time refreshingly weird.


The Long Excuse

Nagai Iiwake
2016 / 124m - Japan
Drama
3.5*/5.0*
The Long Excuse poster

Dear Doctor

Dia Dokutâ
2009 / 127m - Japan
Drama
3.5*/5.0*
Dear Doctor poster

A small and subtle drama. The Japanese country side isn't all that exciting and Nishikawa takes her time to tell a moderately interesting story, but the sluggish atmosphere does have its perks. The direction is solid, the actors do a good job and the film left me fulfilled. Not the most dashing film, but a nice find nonetheless.

Sway

Yureru
2006 / 120m - Japan
Drama, Crime
3.5*/5.0*
Sway poster

Wild Berries

Hebi Ichigo
2003 / 108m - Japan
Comedy, Drama
3.5*/5.0*
Wild Berries poster

Under the Open Sky

Subarashiki Sekai
2020 / 126m - Japan
Drama, Crime
3.0*/5.0*
Under the Open Sky poster

Nishikawa's latest felt like she took it a little too easy. It's a decent drama no doubt, resting on the shoulders of a capable cast. The film does little to distinguish itself though, and with a 2-hour runtime it was simply too predictable and safe to make a strong impact. I think it's fair to expect more from someone with her reputation.

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Masao Mikami has spent the bigger part of his life in jail, most notably for Yakuza-related crimes. When he gets out after a 13-year sentence, he vows to better his life. There aren't too many opportunities for an ex-con though, and Mikami struggles to find a job to support himself with.

Having a veteran like Kôji Yakusho is a blessing, and he delivers. But the film seems just a little too content to put all the weight on his shoulders. The cinematography's a little plain, the drama is somewhat simplistic and there isn't quite enough meat here to support a 2-hour runtime. There's a base quality here and the film never derails, I just wish there was more to it. Not bad, but somewhat forgettable.

3.0*/5.0*
Female poster

Dreams for Sale

Yume Uru Futari
2012 / 134m - Japan
Drama, Crime
2.5*/5.0*
Dreams for Sale poster