Hanging Garden
Japan, 2005, 113 min
Japanese with English subtitles
Screening Time
8:00pm April 13, 2007
Purchase Tickets Online
Director
Toshiaki Toyoda
Filmography
9 Souls (2003), Blue Spring (2001), Unchain (2000), Tokyo Rampage (1998)
Cast and Credits
Kyoko Koizumi, An Suzuki, Itsuji Itao
Synopsis
"We never conceal the truth, no subject is taboo. We try to share everything with each other."
This is a family rule for the Kyobashi's. The family moved into Danchi, a housing project in a town developed during Japan's economic boom, believing a bright future was awaiting them at a new place. But with the passing of time, their hope was reduced to a dream long forgotten. They ended up acting up a good family, with each member harboring secrets. Daughter Mana is habitually skipping classes and spending her time at a large-scale shopping mall. She even goes to bed with men she hardly knows. Younger brother Ko is no different. He is always hanging out on the street, trying to beat a sense of frustration that's been hanging heavy on him for no apparent reason. Father Takashi is busy having affairs, always bossed around by his new lover Mina. Mother Eriko seems to be having a fulfilling life, working part-time at a noodle restaurant and paying frequent visits to her mother Satoko at hospital. But the fact is Eriko is struggling to find out how to relate to her mother while being haunted by the memory of her childhood days, which she spent in total isolation from society.
Things start taking unexpected turns after Ko meets Mina. Mina becomes a tutor for Ko and gets close with the family. One day the Kyobashi's throws a birthday party for Mina. That is when their lies are forced to come out one after another. With the family totally fallen apart now, each member begins searching for the door that will open up their hearts.
Awards and Festivals
Blue Ribbon Award - Best Actress (Kyoko Koizumi)
San Francisco Independent Film Festival
Philadelphia Film Festival
Nippon Connection
Tribeca Film Festival
Sarajevo Film Festival
Athen Intl Film Festival
Haifa Intl Film Festival
Dejima Film Festival
Exground Film Festival