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Memories of Matsuko AKA Kiraware Matsuko no isshô (Blu-ray)
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray ALL - United Kingdom - Third Window Films Review written by and copyright: Gary Jukes (12th March 2011). |
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The Film
 Anyone who knows me knows that I love Japanese cinema, so when 'Memories of Matsuko' - from the director of one of my all-time favourites, Kamikaze Girls - dropped on my doormat to say I was excited would be an understatement. I was expecting something bold, colourful, and above all different, and that's exactly what director Tetsuya Nakashima delivers. Based on the novel by Muneki Yamada, the film begins with the titular Matsuko (Miki Nakatani) found murdered in a field. Her estranged brother (Teruyuki Kagawi) asks his son, Sho (Eita), to take care of her things when he visits him with her ashes. Not even knowing he had an Aunt he rather grudgingly obeys and discovers she lived alone and died alone, and through the effects found in her home - in particular, a photograph of Matsuko pulling a face - begins to piece together her interesting life story. Along the way he is aided by the punk rocker who lived next door (Gori), a porn star (Asuka Kurosawa), and ultimately the man who pushed Matsuko towards self-destruction, former Yakuza Ryu (Yusuke Iseya). Matsuko's story is told in an abstract way, jumping to various points in her turbulent life to reveal the life-changing events that shaped who she would become. Interspersed throughout are bright, musical numbers that provide a sharp contrast to the misery of Matsuko's various life situations. On the face of it her life is quite depressing - ignored as a child, sacked from her job as a promising and respected teacher, sent to prison for murder, beaten and abused by various partners - but all the while her simple dreams of love shine through. Despite having such a rough time herself she always seemed to inspire those around her, and even in death did the same for her nephew. It's a very bright and colourful film with a lot of humour, but at the same time is very sad (almost tragic). The film has an amazing energy that propels it along at quite a rate, and director Nakashima's visual style is stamped over every frame. There really is so much going on in the film that a second viewing is recommended; I actually enjoyed the film even more the second time around. The score by Takeshi Shibuya is wonderful and the cinematography is excellent. The performance of Nakatani in the difficult role as Matsuko is perfect, and the supporting cast are all excellent. This really is a wonderful film, perhaps a little predictable and somewhat sentimental, but superb storytelling nonetheless.
Video
Such a bold film with impressive visuals demands an equally-impressive transfer, and we are not let down. The level of detail is high and the colours are outstanding. The English subtitles are also very good; as a stickler for correct spelling and grammar I had my eyes open but no errors were to be found.
Audio
The DTS-HD Master audio track is excellent, offering clear dialogue, good sound separation, and deep bass. The musical numbers are a particular highlight.
Extras
First up is a brief Making Of featurette (30:29). Along with the usual behind the scenes footage are interviews with the director, producers, and a number of the cast. The featurette offers a useful insight into the methods used by director Nakashima. The featurette is in Japanese with English subtitles. Next we have Storyboard to Film Comparison (12:40), which is more visual than the usual type of storyboard comparison you see as it often cuts from the storyboards to behind the scenes footage to the film. This is also in Japanese with English subtitles. The Theatrical Trailer (1:47) is next, followed by Interview with Soundtrack Composer Gabriele Roberto (21:37). In the interview Roberto discusses his career, other projects he has worked on, and his work on Matsuko. The interview is conducted in English. Rounding out the extras are a number of Third Window Trailers.
Overall
A wonderful film and a great presentation on Blu-ray, only let down slightly by the average extras.
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