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Takako Matsu's latest movie "Confessions," directed by Tetsuya Nakashima, is Japan's selection for the best foreign-language film category at next year's Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Academy Awards ceremony.
The movie, based on a best-selling novel by Kanae Minato, is a revenge tragedy that tells the story of a junior high school teacher, played by Matsu, who plots revenge on two of her students after they murder her young daughter.
Matsu is currently the favorite to win the best actress accolade in domestic awards ceremonies. She is up against Eri Fukatsu, 37, star of "Villain" and Shinobu Terajima, 37, star of "Caterpillar."
In spite of its dark subject matter, "Confessions" struck a chord with audiences and has raked in 3.7 billion yen since its release on June 5. It was released in Japan before the summer blockbusters and is still playing on 35 screens around the world.
Japan's chances are said to be good this year after the industry chose "Confessions" out of 25 movies submitted for approval. The movie will now go toe-to-toe with others submitted in the best foreign-language film category from around the world. From those submissions, five will be nominated for Oscar contention next January. The Academy Awards will be held at the end of February.
© Japan Today
14 Comments
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Mark_McCracken
Who chose the film, specifically?
movieguy
I think this is just a story to say that Japan is going to try to promote it as a candidate for best foreign language film. In other words it's just their wish. So they'll start sending out DVDs to Academy members and give other kickbacks.
gaijinfo
This film is sufficiently "artsy" and "dark" enough that it will get their attention. I suspect it has a good chance of at least being nominated.
However, props should be given to where props are due (what the movie is really based on):
Scott Tenorman Must Die.
papigiulio
Havent seen this one yet. Any good? I love Takako Matsu though, if im not mistaken also in Dororo and Sinking of Japan.
chuckers
You are mistaken. You are thinking of Shibasaki Kou.
papigiulio
Wow you're right sweat well the movie looks interesting non the less heh.
skipbeat
In order to win an Oscar, Japanese movies should be on a person overcoming one adversity and make a difference in his/her life that have a positive effect on society. This movie sound and is depressing. Movies like this one is a dime a dozen and there is nothing good about it because everyone lose. What happened to humanity.
smithinjapan
Not the best choice, though personally I can't think of any better ones (perhaps 'Villain'). The movie only struck a chord with audiences because Takako Matsu has a HUGE fan base through her singing and musicals. Most of the people I know who went to see it (and they did because they are Takako Matsu fans) said they didn't like the movie, but that, of course, Takako was amazing.
A foreign audience won't have the same reaction since they probably don't know the actress or her successes. Is the movie therefore good enough to stand on its own? We'll see, I guess.
Bholder
i just love the page outline:
"38-year-old man admits to groping 100 girls"
'Confessions' to be Japan's candidate for foreign-language film Oscar
blunderbuss
It sounds better if you leave that out. "35 screens" is nothing.
blunderbuss
I'm sure it's an intriguing film though.
nath
Having actually seen the film, yeah, it's dark as hell, but it's also a competently good film.
bicultural
Watched it in the theaters. Very, very dark and bloody, but somehow good. I can't tell if it was the acting, mismatched music, artistic camera work, or what, but I liked it. Matsu Takako was amazing ... and quite scary.
hydevilist
The director, Tetsuya Nakashima, should get some credit. I love every movie he has done. Usually he does some kitsch-ey movie with bubblegum colors but with confessions he stepped out from his comfort zone and in the end making another great movie. <3