Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda • 2009 • Japan
Starring Bae Doona, Arata Iura, Itsuji Itao
One of the most daring films by Hirokazu Kore-eda (AFTER LIFE, SHOPLIFTERS) this fable of modern alienation transports the Galatea myth to present-day Tokyo. It’s there that a life-size blow-up doll (Bae Doona) lives in a shabby apartment, a mute companion to her middle-aged owner. Their routine—each day he talks to her, bathes her, makes love to her—is interrupted when fantasy becomes reality and the air doll suddenly comes to life. Like a newborn baby, she doesn’t understand what is going on around her, but she sees a world waiting to be explored outside the apartment and sets out to understand what “being alive” really means. Beautifully shot by cinematographer Mark Lee Ping-bing (IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE), this bittersweet romantic fantasy explores the complexities of love and loss, joy and pain, and the intricacies and frailties of human existence.
Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda • 2009 • Japan
Starring Bae Doona, Arata Iura, Itsuji Itao
One of the most daring films by Hirokazu Kore-eda (AFTER LIFE, SHOPLIFTERS) this fable of modern alienation transports the Galatea myth to present-day Tokyo. It’s there that a life-size blow-up doll (Bae Doo...