Kâbê (2008)

User Rating:

7.3/10   

Director:

Yôji Yamada

Writers:

Teruyo Nogami (biography)
Yôji Yamada (adaptation) ...

Release Date:

22 May 2009 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Based on childhood days of Teruyo Nogami. |

Awards:

14 nominations

US Showtimes:

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Cast

Tadanobu Asano	...	Yamazaki Toru
Takashi Sasano
Sayuri Yoshinaga	...	Kayo Nogami
Mirai Shida	...	Hatsuko Nogami
Mitsuru Fukikoshi
Rei Dan
Hideji Otaki
Keiko Toda	...	Teruyo Nogami - adult
Tsurube Shôfukutei	...	Senkichi Fujioka
Mizuho Suzuki
Denden
Tokie Hidari
Koen Kondo
Miku Sato	...	Teruyo Nogami
Mitsugoro Bando
Umenosuke Nakamura
Makoto Akatsuka

Also Known As:

Kabei: Our Mother (International: English title) (USA) (new title)
Kaabee (Japan) (alternative transliteration)
Kabei - Our Mother (Europe: English title) (festival title)
Our Mother (International: English title)

Runtime:

USA:133 min | Germany:133 min (Berlin International Film Festival)

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Iida, Nagano, Japan

Company:

Shochiku Company

Yamada Youji delivers again

"Kaabee" depicts the hardship of a woman in pre and during WWII, raising her kids alone after her husband imprisoned for "thought crime". This movie was directed by Yamada Youji, and as expected the atmosphere of this movie is really wonderful. Although the historical correctness of some scenes, most notably the beach scene, is a suspect.

The acting in this movie is absolutely incredible. I am baffled at how they managed to gather this all-star cast for a 2008 film. Yoshinaga Sayuri, possibly the most decorated still-active actress in Japan, will undoubtedly win more individual awards for her performance in this film. Shoufukutei Tsurube in a supporting role was really nice as well. It was Asano Tadanobu though, who delivered the most impressive performance, perfectly portraying the wittiness of his character and the difficult situation he was in.

Films with pre-war setting is not my thing, but thanks to wonderful directing and acting, I was totally absorbed by the story. Also, it wasn't a far-right nonsense like "Yuunagi no Machi, Sakura no Kuni", and examines the controversial and sensitive issue of government oppression and brainwashing that occurred in that period in Japan. Excellent film, highly recommended for all viewers.