Kakekomi

Director Masato Harada (“Kamikaze Taxi,” “Chronicle Of My Mother,” “Climber’s High”) delivers a fascinating period piece about an ancient Japanese tradition, based on the novel ‘Tokeiji Hanadayori’ Hisashi INOUE.

In the Edo era in 1841, we follow the story of the kakekomi, women who have run away from their unfortunate marriages. They sign up for two years of monk service in exchange for asylum in the Tokei-ji temple. But this road to full secession and serenity is not an easy one: yakuza and jealous men make it difficult for them.

One thing is certain: this graceful historical drama never offers a dull moment. The themes around sisterhood and women’s rights are timeless and powerful renditions by the actors are seamlessly interwoven with a stunning cinematography. This is a clear cut example of a jidaigeki – a costume drama in which the women play the strong roles for a change.

This Camera Japan 2015 audience award winner is the perfect movie for a Sunday afternoon after enjoying our annual Japanese lunch. So why not join us for a salivating Sunday with a lunch + film combi ticket?

Cast: Yo OIZUMI, Hikari MITSUSHIMA, Erika TODA, Rina UCHIYAMA, Hana HIZUKI

AWARDS:

• Audience Award Winner – CAMERA JAPAN Film festival 2015

NOMINATED:

• Masae MIYAMOTO – Best Costume Designer – Asian Film Award
• Tetsuo HARADA – Best Production Designer – Asian Film Award
• Yô OIZUMI – Best Actor – Award of the Japanese Academy
• Hikari MITSUSHIMA – Best Supporting Actress – Award of the Japanese Academy

All images: © 2015 “Kakekomi”