Saturday, May 5, 2012

NIPPON CONNECTION ’12 REVIEW: The Woodsman and the Rain


キツツキと雨 (Kitsutsuki to ame)

Released: 2011

Director: Shûichi Okita

Starring: 
Kôji Yakusho
Shun Oguri
Kengo Kora
Asami Usuda
Kanji Furutachi

Running time: 129 min.


Reviewed by Marc Saint-Cyr

We first see the woodsman hard at work felling a tree. In fact, we hear him first, his chainsaw buzzing away in an otherwise peaceful, sun-lit forest. However, he is eventually interrupted by a bespectacled man who emerges from the wilderness and, after nearly getting crushed by a falling tree, timidly asks him to stop working. He explains that a film crew is shooting nearby, and they need quiet for the scene. The woodsman gruffly complies. Little does he know that this will in fact be the first occasion of many in which the film crew will ask for his assistance, the next one involving tracking down the perfect river for a scene.


Played by Kôji Yakusho, the woodsman, Katsu, lives a quiet and simple life in the mountain town of Yamamura. The two-year anniversary of his wife’s death is nearing, and he lives alone with his teenage son (Kengo Kora), whose laziness and difficulties in finding a new job have caused some tension to arise between them. Katsu’s steady routine of neatly preparing meals for himself, interacting with his three work buddies and cutting down and moving timber is gradually overturned by the arrival of the film crew. The location scout for the river, wherein Katsu’s sincere attempts to find the crew a “pretty” spot are initially rejected for being too impractical for the shoot’s requirements, eventually leads to another, totally unexpected request: for Katsu to don a wig and ghoulish makeup and play a menacing zombie for the movie! Afterwards, he is invited to see the dailies with the rest of the crew, which really sparks his curiosity and begins to turn his impatience with the demanding moviemakers into genuine excitement.




As he first begins to help the film crew, Katsu notices – and actually berates – a young man with an untidy mop of hair and a sweatshirt who seems all but paralyzed by shyness, hindering any possibility of being useful to the rest of the team. He turns out to be Koichi Tanabe (Shun Oguri), the terribly inexperienced writer and director of the zombie film, which is entitled “Utopia.” He unsuccessfully attempts to flee from his duties at a train station and is forced to return to the set the next day, where he is daunted by the many questions and demands thrown at him by his actors and technicians. Yet Katsu compulsively returns to the film set and proves to be a source of comfort and reassurance for the flustered director. One of the nicest scenes between the two very different men is a lunchtime conversation in which Katsu points out two pine trees – one twenty-five years old, one sixty, matching Koichi and Katsu’s respective ages – and says that it takes one hundred years for a pine to fully mature, suggesting that they naturally both still have some growing up to do.

“The Woodsman and the Rain” mainly chronicles Koichi’s steady acceptance of his role as director while Katsu all but pounces on new ways of helping out the production. He soon starts getting the whole town involved, recruiting its inhabitants to play pale-skinned zombies and members of an all-female, bamboo spear-wielding army. The infectious joy and enthusiasm the townsfolk give off as they devote themselves to the shoot highlight filmmaking as a truly collaborative event. As in François Truffaut’s classic tribute to the craft, “Day for Night,” filmmaking helps bring people together in a spirit of fun and productivity. Notably, there are two occasions when Katsu demonstrates his talent for predicting the weather: first near the beginning, when a rainstorm halts the logging crew’s efforts, then later on when another torrential downpour halt the filming of a crucial sequence. Such scenes, indicating the woodsman’s instinctive bond with the rain (hence the film’s title), are perhaps meant to show how the duties of a lumberjack aren’t that different from those of a filmmaker: both involve hard work and dedication, and are ultimately at the mercy of such larger forces as nature and circumstance.

Through the warm bond that forms between Katsu and Koichi, “The Woodsman and the Rain” illustrates the universal process of discovering and seizing our true callings in life. This can involve summoning hidden reserves of courage and confidence, as Koichi hesitatingly experiences, or learning how to manage pre-existing commitments to family, as both Katsu and his son discover. But such worries can become so small and insignificant compared to the spiritual nourishment offered by clear sensations of purpose and passion – whether they come from cutting down trees or making the next great Japanese zombie movie.

21 comments:

Unknown said...

Servicing your car prog full does not come low-priced. Specially in the event you do not know what the issue is and whether your mechanic is giving you an truthful assessment or taking you to get a ride.

Unknown said...

Google Now provides you search results in advance of you even go searching for them. Just swipe up, inside of of office 2010 anytime upgrade key Google?ˉs research app (or from any house monitor on a Nexus four, seven or ten), and Google Now activates.

Windows7mart said...

Then developers began writing thousands of apps for windows 8 pro retail box the iPad that started to bridge exciting stuff with activities commonly done on a Computer, even Windows PCs. Consumers noticed that the Windows Pc (desktop or laptop) that they our website kept at dwelling was getting used much less and significantly less. In the end they were only applying Windows at perform.

Windows7mart said...

A system losing 18 seconds out of each and every five minutes will likely be practically six hours out of sync cheap windows 7 ultimate key within 4 days. That means backup jobs and system maintenance typically scheduled for 04:00 is happening at 10:00 as an alternative. This is a true dilemma.

Anonymous said...

شركة مكافحة حشرات بالاحساء
شركة تنظيف موكيت بالدمام
شركة تنظيف موكيت بالخبر
شركة تنظيف موكيت بالظهران
شركة نظافة موكيت بالدمام
شركة نظافة موكيت بالخبر
شركة نظافة موكيت بالظهران
شركة غسيل موكيت بالدمام
شركة غسيل موكيت بالخبر
شركة غسيل موكيت بالظهران

Unknown said...

Bahis ve casino oyunları için güncel adresimiz bets10. Müşteri memnuniyeti için sizleri canlibahis100.org adresine bekliyoruz.

Kavita Sharma said...

We have a gallery of some of the hottest, most adventurous girls that you will ever meet. Are you looking for a romantic night out in the town? A quiet night in where you can make all of your dreams come true? We have the girl for you.
Delhi Escorts

Kavita Sharma said...

Ultimate Destination for finding High Profile Independent Escorts in Nainital Like You Feel 100 % Real Girl Friend Experience.
Nainital Escorts | Nainital Escorts

Kavita Sharma said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
kinglalisah said...

Choose our professional writers and leave all your tensions of researching critical college assignments on our shoulders! GoAssignmentHelp.com.au are equipped with a vast team of professionals and knowledgeable topics tutors and experienced who make sure that you will get the assignment help online you deserve for. We have service team who are available 24 x 7. You can send your questions through email, chat, or send a Whatsapp message. We will provide you quick response to every question about your university assignment help australia related. If you need help with your documents, why not give our professional service a try today? Don’t waste your precious time and contact to our Assignment Provider. GoAssignmentHelp.com.au know that your time value. Call us now and get best Finance, Accounting, Business Law, Computer Science, Statistics, Management, Engineering many topic related assignment service.

Daily Word said...

Never be discouraged, keep up the good work, your blog is on top. Check out this: Big Black Friday Deals

Tech To Review said...

An authentic wireless experience: Because of the worldwide Bluetooth compatibility, boat airdopes 131 connected to phones from a long distance. Get rid of your tangled earphones and get your hands on the technologically enhanced sound of the future.

naina k said...

Thanks for sharing valuable information....

tips to lose facial fat

homework helper said...

We always furnish the best Assignment Help Online to students at the cheapest rates. We have got the most profound subject experts on board who help you with premium scholastic support services that are always bespoke and free of plagiarism.

Anonymous said...


online dispensary shipping worldwide
most trusted online dispensary shipping worldwide
legit online dispensary shipping worldwide


Tradeflock said...

Today, we honor the selfless and outstanding efforts of medical workers. India Mirror, renowned digital news, and marketing platform in India recognize the top ten best chief medical officers in India and demonstrates how scaling up their features and behavior may elevate them above the competition. Tradeflock compiled a list of the top ten chief medical officers in India.

Tempo Traveller Online said...

This service allows you to Tempo Traveller 12 Seater. We are one of Delhi's most reputable service companies and rent out 12-seater luxury tempos. Simply fill out the form or give us a call to make a reservation for a Luxury Tempo Traveler or Minibus on our website.

Stephen said...

Incredible blog here! It's mind boggling posting with the checked and genuinely accommodating data.

Ambika Kuntal said...

Bullseye Home Builders offers home extensions in Melbourne. We specialize in creating seamless extensions that blend with your existing home. Our professionals will work with you to make additional living space that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
https://linktr.ee/snehapanchal1994

Molly Greville said...

Are you looking for exceptional singing lessons in Sydney? Standout Music Studio offers personalized lessons for all levels, from beginners to advanced singers. Our experienced instructors will help you develop your technique, improve your vocal abilities, and build confidence.
https://sketchfab.com/mollygreville316/

Cuddlycoo said...

Our Teepee Tent For Kids is perfect for any playroom or bedroom. Made from high-quality materials, it's durable and easy to assemble. Its cute and cosy design is a great way to create a fun and imaginative space for your child.