In Japanese with English & Chinese Subtitles
Genre: Drama
Director: Yoji Yamada
Cast: Yû Aoi, Ryo Kase, Sayuri Yoshinaga, Yuriko Ishida, Fumiyo Kohinata, Takashi Sasano, Nenji Kobayashi, Masahiro Nakai
RunTime: 2 hrs 6 mins
Released By: GV
Rating: PG
Official Website: http://www.ototo-movie.jp

Opening Day: 3 June 2010

Synopsis:

After her husband's death, Ginko, her daughter Koharu and Ginko's mother-in-law take over the Takano pharmacy. But Koharu is about to get married. After the wedding she is going to move in with her husband and will have to leave her mother and grandmother to run the business alone. But she is not happy about this. Ginko's younger brother Tetsuro suddenly appears at the wedding reception. He is the black sheep of the family - a failed singer who earns a living working selling fried fish on a street stall. Enchanted by his beautiful niece, Tetsuro gets carried away and puts on a little performance in honour of the bridal couple. His performance shocks the relatives to such an extent that Ginko is obliged to apologise for her brother. The next morning she admonishes her contrite brother, insisting that he forget his dreams of fame and concentrate on his fish stall. Some time later Koharu surprises Ginko with a visit: her marriage it seems is on the rocks and, before long, the relationship breaks for good. Soon afterwards, Ginko receives a visit from a woman from Osaka, Hitomi, who introduces herself as Tetsuro's wife. Tetsuro she says is in the throes of drinking and gambling himself to death. Ginko gives the woman some of her savings. Then Tetsure appears at his sister's place. The siblings quarrel badly and break off all contact. The years go by and then, one day, Ginko receives a phone call asking her to come to Osaka. In "Otouto" director Yoji Yamada tells the turbulent story of a middle-class family.

Movie Review:

Tetsuro is a failed performer who has earned himself a notorious name in his family. Nothing flattering that the family can be proud of, instead he is a thorn. Yet, that fact is seldom challenged. Isn’t that typical of any traditional Asian family?

The story begins with Koharu’s wedding reception, where there was a refreshing depiction of the distance (literally and metaphorically) between him and the rest of the family. Tetsuro’s strong Osaka accent and his socially undesirable behaviors are quite humorous. They are distinct enough to make him 'outstanding', and at the same time allow you to empathize with the rest of the family who are trying to put a distance between themselves and the 'black sheep'. Some instances just make you cringe, like how the family reacted towards him. Surely no one would want to be associated with him, especially on such a formal occasion in the presence of many valued guests. It probably strikes a chord with us because we too, belong in Asian families.

As the story continues to unfold, expect to identify with many instances where the family tried to conceal the problem, and the eternal struggle of his sister, Ginko, to love or hate her brother. Subsequently, Ginko was angered and upset over Tetsuro’s empty promises to such a great extent that she threatened to sever ties with him.

And after much drama in the first half of the movie, comes the turning point for Ginko. It also serves as the crux of the story when the character got ashamed and remorseful over her behavior towards her brother. It came as a daunting realization for her for he was already counting down his days on Earth, yet she was primarily concerned with the unimportant details. The expressions displayed on her countenance and her body language helped the audience to understand the intensity of the emotions and in turn stir deep felt emotions.

The greatest success of this movie is that anyone could have related to it. You can either see yourself as the black sheep (maybe not to such a dramatic extent), or the loving sister who struggles but still loved her little brother immensely simply for who he is.

As expected of Yamada, this is another successful melodramatic movie. Only with such great experience and fervor can he pull off a simple plot. Its resolution leaves the greatest impression when one will surely agree that blood is thicker than water. Tetsuro is still unconditionally accepted into the family, no matter his failures. Family also sees past his flaws and stuck with him till the end. It is certainly not the most unique kind of reconciliation, yet an impactful one. Though he was lackluster and had always been a loser, his departure was just as beautiful as the withering of the cherry blossoms.

However, the greatest drawback of the movie is that it is rather long and solemn. This may cause one to lose interest mid-way. Nonetheless, it brings about solace and a soothing aftereffect.

Movie Rating:



(It may be a little slow moving yet a simple movie that creates the resonance within you)

Review by Tho Shu Ling