Joy and sorrow, smiles and tears – all were once in their 'hometown'.

A human drama has been completed, depicting a family who lost their hometown in the Great East Japan Earthquake. Triggered by the return of their long-lost brother, they overcome various trials and strengthen their bonds.


The film is directed by Naoshi Kubota, a recipient of numerous documentary awards including the Galaxy Grand Prize. The original screenplay is by Kenji Aoki, who also wrote 'When I Get to See You' (2005). Based on meticulous on-site research, the film delicately portrays the deeply buried 'emotions' that people who experienced this unprecedented event cannot convey to others.

Kenichi Matsuyama stars as Jiro, the protagonist who left his hometown in his teens and lost contact. Masato Uchino, a seasoned actor, plays his older half-brother, Soichi. The cast also includes Yuko Tanaka as their mother, Tomiko, and Sakura Ando as Soichi's wife, Misa, bringing together a group of actors with exceptional talent.

What is the future of this family after the earthquake, with the return of the estranged brother?

Fukushima, after the earthquake. Jiro returns to his hometown, now a restricted zone, for the first time in 20 years. He had left his hometown after taking the blame for an 'incident,' enduring a complicated childhood with his father, mother, and his older half-brother. Having resolved never to return, he cut off contact with his family. Now, with the place deserted, he decides to go back.

Meanwhile, Jiro's mother and his older brother, the son of his father's first wife, are forced to leave the land their family has cultivated for generations due to the earthquake's impact. Exhausted by the injustice of losing their hometown, the place where they poured all their lives, and living without hope, their minds and bodies are reaching their limit. The family, reunited at last, overcomes deep past conflicts and the hardships of the earthquake, resolving to live forward.


This film embodies the director's passion to 'depict Fukushima in a way documentaries cannot.' While focusing on a family after the earthquake, it transcends being merely a 'story of a disaster-stricken area.' The narrative, which masterfully portrays sibling rivalry, mother-son affection, father-son conflict, and marital bonds, is exceptional.

'Ieji'

Opening Saturday, March 1st, at Shinjuku Piccadilly and other cinemas nationwide.

Director: Naoshi Kubota

Screenplay: Kenji Aoki

Starring: Kenichi Matsuyama, Yuko Tanaka, Sakura Ando, Masato Uchino

Distribution: Bitters End

2014 / Japan / 118 min

http://bitters.co.jp/ieji/



©2014 'Ieji' Production Committee