Source: Third Window Films, TBS Official Movie Site: thirdwindowfilms.com/memories-of-matsuko (UK) Special Thanks to Adam Torel
When a bored college student learns that a long lost aunt has been found dead in a park, he begins piecing together her life to see if it had any value. What he finds is a revelation. On February 14th, Third Window Films will release MEMORIES OF MATSUKO (Kiraware Matsuko no Isshoo, 2006) on Blu-ray in the United Kingdom. Talented film director Tetsuya Nakashima (KAMIKAZE GIRLS, CONFESSIONS) wields a host of cinematic tools to make a memorably entertaining and emotionally powerful "fairytale tragedy," weaving together realistic human drama with offbeat comedy and spectacular, Bob Fosse-like production numbers to tell the heartbreaking story of Matsuko Kawajiri, a starry-eyed woman who spends her entire life searching for a worthy "prince" capable of returning her limitless love. After losing her job as a teacher in her twenties, and leaving her family`s home in disgrace, she departs on a journey of colorful ups and downs that takes her to the seedier side of life. No matter if she gets hurt time and time again, the man she loves is always central to the dreams of her life. Anyone else would think that her life is miserable, but Matsuko is always optimistic and never lets go of her dream to the end, in this funny but sad Cinderella story. The versatile actress Miki Nakatani renders a virtuosic performance in the lead role of Matsuko. MEMORIES OF MATSUKO was a smash with audiences and movie critics, racking up awards and nominations from the Asian Film Awards (Won Best Actress, Nominated Best Production Designer, Best Visual Effects), Awards of the Japanese Academy (Won Best Actress, Best Music, Best Editing; Nominated Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Lighting, Best Screenplay, Best Sound), Fant-Asia Film Festival (Best Asian Film), Hochi Film Awards (Best Actress), Japanese Professional Movie Awards (Best Actress), Kinema Junpo Awards (Best Actress), and the Mainichi Film Concours (Best Actress, Best Editor). Third Window Films` Blu-ray release will include a 30 minute "Making of" documentary, storyboard to film comparison, and interview with music composer Gabriele Roberto, and the Japanese theatrical trailer. The recommended retail price is £19.99. MEMORIES OF MATSUKO
Original Title: Kiraware Matsuko no Isshoo Country: Japan Year of Production: 2006 Rating: 15 Genre: Drama, Fairytale, Musical Running Time: 130 mins Original Language: Japanese Director: Tetsuya Nakashima Writer: Tetsuya Nakashima Cast: Miki Nakatani, Eita, Yusuke Iseya, Teruyuki Kagawa, YosiYosi Arakawa Producer: Yuji Ishida, Hidemi Satani Executive Producer: Masayuki Miyashita, Kunikatsu Kondo Editor: Yoshiyuki Koike Production Designer: Towako Kuwashima Cinematography: Masakazu Ato Music: Gabriele Roberto Lighting: Taro Kimura Make-up: Mitsue Sato Presented in Association with: TBS, Toho BD Release Date: 14th Feb 2011 BD Specifications: anamorphic widescreen, removable English subtitles, 5.1 surround sound BD Bonus Features: 30 minute "Making of", Storyboard to Film comparison, Interview with music composer Gabriele Roberto, theatrical trailer, trailers of other Third Window Films titles RRP: £19.99
