My Dearest A lonely yet heartwarming life journey

“My Dearest” is the latest starring role of veteran Japanese actor Ken Takakura after “Kikujiro,” his first in six years, as well as his twentieth collaboration with director Yoji Yamada and his 205th movie. The original story is adapted from the posthumous work of the late writer Seichi Ichiko, and was reimagined into a new storyline by Yamada together with playwright Takeshi Aoshima.

 

Have you conveyed the most important thoughts in your heart to the most important person in your heart?

 

The story follows Kurashima Eiji (played by Ken Takakura), an instructor at a prison in Hokuriku, as he tries to adjust to life alone after the death of his wife Yoko (played by Yoko Tanaka). Through postcards sent by his wife during her lifetime, he embarks on a journey to understand her feelings. Along the way, he encounters various people and events: schoolteacher Sugino (played by Takeshi Kitano), bento sellers Tamiya (played by Joe Odagiri) and Nanbara (played by Kōji Yakusho), the owner of a diner (played by Kimiko Yo) and her daughter (played by Haruka Ayase). Through these relationships filled with their own challenges—of family, love, joy, and sorrow—he is prompted to reflect anew on life, death, and family ties. Gradually, warm and beautiful memories of his wife also begin to resurface in his mind. After many twists and turns, he finally reaches Yoko’s hometown, where Eiji comes to feel her emotions and intentions.

Through a series of on-location shots, the director gently and subtly captures the deep bond between husband and wife, as well as the daily lives of the various people the protagonist meets on his journey. With this work, the director also seeks to convey the real importance of human connection in modern Japanese society, where interpersonal alienation is prevalent. It can be said to be Japan’s most moving tearjerker of the year. The cast is especially stellar: Yoko Tanaka of “Oshin,” Kōji Yakusho of “The Twilight Samurai,” Takeshi Kitano of “Kikujiro,” Joe Odagiri of “My Girlfriend’s 1778 Stories,” Kimiko Yo of “Departures,” and Haruka Ayase of “Kamome Shokudo.” The film brings together a dream ensemble of actors spanning the old, middle, and young generations.

 

The film premiered at the Montreal World Film Festival in Canada, where it won the Ecumenical Jury Prize. The jury unanimously praised the film for its profound depiction of humanity and human relationships, as well as its outstanding overall performance. After the positive reviews reached Japan and the film was officially released, its total box office exceeded 2 billion yen, and it was nominated for 12 awards at the Japan Academy Film Prize. Now, the film is finally set to be officially released in Taiwan this April. Its seemingly ordinary yet deeply touching story is sure to move the hearts of audiences little by little.