The Japanese Wife

The Japanese Wife is a slow, simple film directed by Aparna Sen. There aren't great things happening in this love story, but it is a film that would carry you just like the characters are taken on the ferry from one side to the other.

The making of the Japanese Wife may not be very stylish. But there is a certain level of class in the way it has been made and that is what kept me watching the film even as the slow pace at times. There is a little plot based on a novel and it depends a lot on voice overs. There is something not usual about the way the film is made and I was rather not worried much about the voice overs, which is something I usually don't like in movies. Aparna Sen's cast does a terrific job of the material and keeps the viewing experience a great one. There aren't any gimmicks invoved with the sets or the way the film has been shot and edited. Everything looks surprisingly real. The actors seem totally natural and very comfortable in their roles. It feels as though they aren't acting but living the role. But the Japanese wife, Miyage, played by Chigusa Takaku would be the weakest link in the cast if I have to point out. Raima Sen is simply stunning as the Sandhya and the kid who plays her son is too good. Rahul Bose as Snehomoy carries the film and it is just wonderful to hear the way he has adpated the speech for this character. The film features a few minor characters as well but their performances also add much life to the world around Snehomoy.

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