Japanese Story

Critics Consensus

An emotional film where Toni Collette gets to show her impressive range.

68%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 92

69%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 5,385
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Japanese Story Photos

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Movie Info

A drama set in Western Australia's Pilbura desert. A geologist named Sandy, and a Japanese businessman, Hiromitsu, play out a story of human inconsequence, in the face of the blistering universe. The end of the journey leaves neither person capable of going back to the place from where they started.
  • Rating:
    R (for some sexuality and language)
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Directed By:
    Sue Brooks
  • Written By:
    Alison Tilson
  • In Theaters:
     limited
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Box Office:
    $189,209
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Samuel Goldwyn Films

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Cast

Toni Collette
as Sandy Edwards
Gotaro Tsunashima
as Tachibana Hiromitsu
Matthew Dyktynski
as Bill Baird
Lynette Curran
as Mum
Yumiko Tanaka
as Yukiko Hiromitsu
Kate Atkinson
as Jackie
Bill Young
as Jimmy Smithers
Reg Evans
as Man in Row Boat
George Shevtsov
as James
Justine Clarke
as Jane
Igor Sas
as Fraser
Mike Frencham
as Blake
John Howard (II)
as Richards
Heath Bergersen
as Gas Station Attendant
Kuni Hashimoto
as Translator
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Critic Reviews for Japanese Story

All Critics (92) | Top Critics (37)

View All Critic Reviews (92)

Audience Reviews for Japanese Story

  • Jun 20, 2011
    Good movie overall, carried by Toni Collete's strong performance. The problem with the movie is that it turns on the waterworks really heavy at the end there. It was good, but it felt like too much. There's also the matter of the 'twist' and how it's handled. It's just out of left field. Just because this can happen in real life doesn't mean it's going to work in a movie. In here, it just happens there's no build up to it and it feels flat. Of course, you can't build up to a moment that's supposed to be completely random, but it just felt flat. For example, Audition, started off like a romantic comedy but you always had an uneasy feeling and that something weird is gonna come out of this. In this movie it just happens. It's probably all a moot point anyway because, again, it's supposed to be a random moment. Anyway, the movie is still good. It has some touching moments and Toni Collete is great.
    Jesse O Super Reviewer
  • Mar 03, 2011
    Cheesy Australian mismatched couple drama raised above the average by Toni Collettes action and some very nice pictures of the Australian mining industry. <img src="http://archive.sensesofcinema.com/images/29/japanese_story.jpg">
    Lesley N Super Reviewer
  • Feb 15, 2010
    A shocking and touching film. A very unique tale that is executed with a true genuine quality to it.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Sep 05, 2009
    <a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i32.tinypic.com/27yrew0.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>for sexuality and language Japanese Story had a good storyline, and an unexpected surprise. The romantic part between Colette and the Japanese was nice to see, two complete different culture. The movie was developing so nice till the last part. I could not understand why they had to do this and let it end this way. It wasn't necessary. Toni Collette did a very good as the Australian geologist who must tour around the Japanese businessman. They become friends during this trip in the Australian desert.
    Daisy M Super Reviewer
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