They Say Nothing Stays the Same

If you expected something fashionably modern from actor Odagiri Joe’s feature debut, you’ll be surprised to find it feels more like the measured work of a classic auteur. Set in Meiji era Japan but timeless in its concerns —the sacrifices made in the name of progress, the loss of cherished traditions — it follows a lonely old ferryman (Emoto Akira), whose life is transformed when he rescues a mysterious young woman from drowning. Gorgeously lensed by Christopher Doyle, with costumes by Emi Wada, the film also features brief but potent cameos by a who’s-who of Japan’s top stars. (Synopsis from New York Asian Film Festival)

『ある船頭の話』
Film Festivals (selected): Hawaii International Film Festival, New York Asian Film Festival, Camera Japan Festival
Available to stream on (subject to change): Vudu, Apple TV, Direct TV, Spectrum, Amazon