Departures sweeps Japanese academy awards

[bayjapan]

Jason Gray in Tokyo
21 Feb 2009 03:40


Yojiro Takita's Departures picked up ten prizes, including best picture of 2008, at the 32nd Japan Academy prize awards ceremony, held Friday evening at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Tokyo.

The film, which had thirteen nominations, also won best director, best actor (Masahiro Motoki), best supporting actor (Tsutomu Yamazaki), best supporting actress (Kimiko Yo) and best screenplay (Kundo Koyama), along with wins for cinematography, lighting, sound and editing.

Released last September by Shochiku, the $3m drama has grossed over $32m at the box office as one of the most successful local films of 2008.

Shochiku widened Departures' extended release this month in the run up to its Oscar bid for best foreign-language film on February 22. US distributor Regent Releasing will open the film theatrically later this year.

Departures previously won best film in Montreal and Palm Springs and a cluster of domestic victories, including top honours at the Kinema Junpo magazine awards, Japan's oldest.

In a unexpected result Tae Kimura won best actress for her role in All Around Us, her first leading role, beating veteran actress Sayuri Yoshinaga (Kabei – Our Mother).

The year's biggest box office hit, Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea, was awarded best animated film and best music (Joe Hisaishi).

Late director Kon Ichikawa and late actor Ken Ogata, who both passed away in 2008, were given special recognition.

The Dark Knight picked up the prize for best foreign film in a category that included Red Cliff Part 1, No Country For Old Men, The Bucket List and Lust Caution.

Japan Academy Prize Winners:

Best film: Departures

Best director: Yojiro Takita (Departures)

Best actor: Motoki Masahiro (Departures)

Best actress: Tae Kimura (All Around Us)

Best supporting actress: Kimiko Yo (Departures)

Best supporting actor: Tsutomu Yamazaki (Departures)

Best screenplay: Kundo Koyama (Departures)

Best animated film: Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea

Best foreign film: The Dark Knight

Best music: Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea

Best cinematography: Departures

Best lighting: Departures

Best art direction: Paco And The Magical Picture Book

Best sound: Departures

Best editing: Departures

Special award from the chairman: Kon Ichikawa, Ken Ogata

Topical award (actor): Kenichi Matsuyama

Topical award (film): Suspect X


courtesy Screen Daily

original article

[shinca]

I was watching Departures in theater.
It's very delicate movie and make tears.
And Hirosue ryoko is never die.

[yellowskin]

This film is about death.
Japanese funeral is different from other Asia's funeral.

If you are not Japanese,
Please enjoy the uniqueness of Japan watching this film.

[snowii77]

I have yet to see this movie. Although there seems to be an american release scheduled. It is in my Netflix queue.

Another great movie from Yojiro Takita is Comic Magazine (1986)
It has a cool scene with Beat Takeshi. I want a copy of this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4X7ZPWpSPQ

[syaokizz]

I watched this movie. It is indeed a very good one
I thought Okuribito would be confusing, deep, and mind-blogging. But Okuribito is quite relax-able due to some comical moments.

I also love the scenery in Okuribito.
I enjoyed it.