Sayo and Keiji have eloped to New Zealand to marry, away from the interference of Keiji's disapproving mother in Japan. On their honeymoon, they have the freedom to express their love away from her repressive influence. However, on what should be the happiest of days, Keiji is drowned and Sayo must, by custom, return to live with her cruel and selfish mother-in-law.
Direction
Caro's control of silences — every held breath means something.
Acting
Yoko Narahashi's mother-in-law: smiling malice, no villain music needed.
Director
Niki Caro
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Caro filmed in New Zealand but kept the Japanese cast speaking Japanese — rare 1990s authenticity that predates her Whale Rider fame.
The drowning scene was reportedly shot in freezing conditions; Nomura's hypothermia-real shivering stayed in the cut.
NZ
