By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.25
Director: Shohei Imamura
Starring: Koji Yakusho | Mansaku Fuwa | Misa Shimizu | Mitsuko Baisho
Original language title: Akai hashi no shita no nurui mizu
Country: france, japan
Year: 2002
Running time: 119
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0139951
Laura says: “Imamura’s fanciful tale is like an offbeat Japanese homage to LOCAL HERO. An out of towner seeks riches in a strange place where people come from far off places to fish, woman have fantastical powers, strange lights are created, characters dash about on scooters and homeless men take advantage of dinner invitations at the local inn. Saeko’s allure is steeped in the stuff of legend, here, though, as hinted at by her odd, psychic grandmother and a flashback to her childhood folly, jumping into the river after her priestess mother, who drowned.
“The film is peopled with delightful supporting characters. When Saeko signals Yosuke for a sexual liaison, he outruns the African being schooled via a runner’s scholarship. Later we learn the young sprinter has thirteen children and sees an Olympic medal in his future before becoming his country’s president. The Badger Inn owners are a good natured woman who dishes up food that her husband, constantly smoking in front the television, describes as swill. Shin molds events to suit himself, but keeps things moving along well enough in his briskly efficient manner.
“Colors are symbolically used in this visually crystalline film, with red predominantly standing in for sex/fire juxtaposed against the marine blues of life/water. Yosuke’s wife is shown living in an apartment of yellows and browns, earthbound like the bright yellow slickers that the fishermen wear to make a hard-earned living. With all the stunning visuals, however, Saeko’s water gushing is badly handled, looking like the actress is holding her thumb over a hose in her lap. The film’s central metaphor deserved more careful handling. Music by Shinichiro Ikebe reflects a playful nature with its cartoonish bells and whistles.” 3 cats
For Laura’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/warmwaterunderaredbridge.htm”
Michael says: “How delightful it was to get such a nice crowd at our second Monday Night at the Movies with Chlotrudis Awards. Six of us attended a Brattle screening of the Japanese film, WARM WATER UNDER A RED BRIDGE.
“And what an oddly charming film it was. Director Shohei Imamura creates an enchanting tale of an unemployed, down-on-his-luck man from Tokyo, who travels to a seaside town in search of treasure. What he finds is a young woman with an unusual affliction, and a new purpose in his life.
“Koji Yakusho (Chlotrudis Awards Nominee for SHALL WE DANCE?) is delightfully self-effacing as the stranger in town, Yosuke. Told by his friend, a ‘cardboard philosopher,’ to seek out his treasure left in a house by a red bridge years ago, Yosuke finds the unexpected in the form of Saeko. After following Saeko from the house-in-question to a market, he sees her steal a block of cheese while standing in a puddle of water. He follows her home, where she lives with her senile, fortune-telling grandmother, and the two share a moment of passion. Saeko confesses that she if compelled to do something wicked when she is filled with water. In this way, she vents a little and takes the pressure off. Their passionate afternoon unleashes a torrent that feeds the nearby river with amazing properties.
“As Yosuke’s relationship with Saeko develops, he undergoes other changes as well, joinging a local group of fishermen, befriending an African student training to become an Olympic marathon runner, and taking a room in an inn where the innkeeper makes cheap food that doesn’t taste very good. Just when things seem far from resolution, the tone of the movie shifts from light-hearted comedy, to more serious drama, and a satisfying conclusion.
“WARM WATER is a sweet film, with gorgeous visuals (the locale is stunning) and an interesting perspective on female sexuality and the way we live our lives. It seems the film wants us to meet life head on, enjoying to the fullest, rather than sleepwalking through life, letting it the outside world rule us. The film meanders a bit shortly after its midpoint, but tightens up to a compelling conclusion. Koji Yakusho and his co-star Misa Shimizu share a delightful on-screen chemistry, reminiscent of their turn in SHALL WE DANCE?” 3 1/2 moist cats.
Robin says: “WARM WATER UNDER A RED BRIDGE tries very hard to be a magical, whimsical film but suffers from its length. This kind of lighthearted flight of fancy, to keep its magic, needs to be tight and focused (with opportunities, of course, to take some side trips). The point of the film and the ensuing romance is dragged along too long. I enjoyed the quirky courtship and the bevy of oddball characters – including an African runner training in Japan on a meager grant who plans to win the gold and, in ten years, be elected president of his country. It’s an often-cute film but either needs more substance to fill the time or some judicious editing.” 3 cats
For Robin’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/warmwaterunderaredbridge.htm”