Kirin Kiki and Etsuko Ichihara Share the Screen for the First Time After Half a Century in Show Business

Director Naomi Kawase, known for her pursuit of unflinching realism, including her win of the youngest Cannes Film Festival Newcomer Award for 'Suzaku,' presents 'An.' Based on Dorian Sukegawa's novel of the same name, the film features a stellar cast led by Kirin Kiki.





Veteran actress Kirin Kiki plays Tokue, the protagonist who has experienced leprosy and lived a challenging life. The cast also includes Masatoshi Nagase as Sentaro, the manager of the dorayaki shop who hires Tokue, and Etsuko Ichihara, who decided to participate after receiving advice from Kiki. This marks their first collaboration after more than fifty years in the industry. Also noteworthy is the performance of Kiki's granddaughter, the rising star Cara Uchida.

Kawase's signature directorial style is evident once again, with the crew blending seamlessly into the surroundings and shooting in hushed tones, without the usual cue to begin. The film was supported by an experienced 'Kawase team' from Japan, France, and Germany.

Sentaro, the Hired Shop Manager, and Tokue, the Elderly Woman: Rumors Threaten Their Destinies

Sentaro, recently released from prison, finds himself in a monotonous routine as the hired manager of a dorayaki shop. One day, an elderly woman named Tokue, having seen the job posting, arrives and pleads for a position at the shop.

Captivated by the taste of the anko (sweet bean paste) Tokue makes, Sentaro entrusts her with preparing the dorayaki's filling. Her anko is so exquisite that the shop soon becomes a resounding success. However, malicious rumors begin to alter their fate.—.

'An' centers on Tokue, exploring themes of the meaning of life and humanity's place within the universe. While seemingly a small story, director Naomi Kawase felt a profound connection to the original novel's message of a grand narrative unfolding from humble beginnings. Driven by a sense of mission to bring this story to the screen, she has created a work that marks a new chapter in her directorial career.



'An'
Opens Nationwide on Saturday, May 30th
Directed and Screenplay by Naomi Kawase
Starring Kirin Kiki, Masatoshi Nagase, Cara Uchida, Etsuko Ichihara, Miki Mizuno, Taiga, Wakato Kanematsu, Miyoko Asada
Distributed by ELEPHANT HOUSE
2015 / Japan, France, Germany / 113 minutes
http://an-movie.com


© 2015 'An' Film Production Committee / COMME DES CINEMAS / TWENTY TWENTY VISION / ZDF-ARTE