Drama

The Long Excuse

永い言い訳

Directed by: Miwa Nishikawa
2016 / 124 minutes / Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF EMPATHY IN A TIME OF MOURNING

Celebrity author Sachio and his supportive wife Natsuko have an amicable marriage that lacks passion. While Natsuko dies in a bus accident, Sachio is in bed with a younger woman. Forced to play the role of a grieving widower in front of media, he is more shocked by his emotional disconnect to her death. Unable to muster any genuine sadness for his wife’s passing, he’s at a loss for how to proceed with his life.

Eventually he meets Yoichi, whose wife perished in the same bus accident. Unlike Sachio, Yoichi is devastated and in denial. For unfathomable reasons Sachio volunteers to help take care of Yoichi’s children while their father is out working long hours as a truck driver.

The Long Excuse is a touching drama that closely follows its characters and their transformation, prompted by empathy and death. Director Miwa Nishikawa, who was mentored by Hirokazu Kore-eda (After the Storm), beautifully orchestrates joy and sadness, creating a film that is emotional but never overbearing. Featuring stellar acting by Masahiro Motoki (Departures) as Sachio and Pistol Takehara as Yoichi.

Part of the JFF Regional Program 2018. All JFF Regional screenings are free of charge. Click the book now link relevant to your city below to find out how to book tickets.

Part of JFF Fringe 2018 special screenings in Sydney and Brisbane. Catch Japanese films on the big screen with the limited season JFF Fringe specials. Presented in partnership with Event Cinemas.