A big hit in Japan and still playing in the cinemas in Japan after its release on 16 May, Kakekomi is a film infused with love, drama and history. Based from the novel Tokeiji Hanadayori by Hisashi Inoue, Kakekomi is a jidaigeki drama film directed by Masato Harada, who is also the director of films such as Kamikaze taxi, Chronicle of My Mother and Climber’s High and has also acted in The Last Samurai.
I was pretty impressed with what Kakekomi has to offer. As the movie plot thickens, I quickly find myself transported and immersed in the Edo era as the plot thickens. To be honest, this is my first time viewing a Japanese film and I went into the theatre without knowing what to expect. The film aptly explores and discusses the fate of women escaping domestic violence in the Edo era. While it intrigues audiences with its vibrant cultural and historical setting, Kakekomi also deftly blends in elements of romance, drama and comedy that can be easily related by viewers.
Set in Edo era, the movie centres on women who seek refuge from an abusive relationship or divorce and escape to Tokeiji Temple in Kamakura. There, they would become “kakekomi” and spend close to two years of monastic existence before they can be officially divorced. Meanwhile, a divorce arbitrator, Genbei, will interrogate and make the necessary preparations for the ladies to restart their lives.
The female characters in the film each have their respective reasons for seeking refuge. A wealthy merchant’s wife, O-Gin (played by Hikari Mitsushima) is a slender, graceful woman who run to Tokeiji not to escape from an abusive relationship, but out of love. She is later seen in the film contracted with tuberculosis. Jogo (played by Erika Today), on the other hand, looks for refuge from her abusive husband who philanders and makes her toil away working with iron while he enjoys life. Meanwhile, Yu (played by Rina Uchiyama) is seeking revenge from a drunken swordsman who killed her husband and forced her into marriage.
At that time, Genbei’s nephew Shinjiro (played by Oizumi Yo) returns home to find himself searching for a balance between carrying out his duties as a doctor and helping the ladies from relationship turmoil. A novice doctor and aspiring writer, Shinjiro slowly finds himself to like one of the “kakekomis”.
The journey to separation, as explored in the film, is never easy for women. For instance, Tokeiji is always found to be in constant threat from the local magistrate, yakuza gangsters, jilted husbands and lovers. Not only that, living in the temple itself can be challenging; not being able to eat your favourite food for two years is one of them.
Overall, Kakekomi is filled with witty dialogues, comedic moments and charismatic performances that are coupled with a vibrant culture and setting. The movie can be confusing at times as it bounces between plots and characters. But, one thing is for sure; this light-hearted historical drama is never dull.
Catch Kakekomi at selected cinemas in Malaysia. Visit www.jfkl.org.my or www.gsc.com.my for screening schedules and more information.
Watch the trailer here:
