The Little House (2014)
Company: Twilight Time
Starring: Takako Matsu, Haru Kuroki, Hidetaka Yoshioka,
Satoshi Tsumabuki, Chieko Baisho, Takataro Kataoka
My Review and Thoughts:
Film: 5/5
Film: 5/5
Wow what a surprising, beautiful film that I had no
knowledge of. To be honest never even heard of it. When I saw Twilight Time’s
release schedule for the month of August I was a little taken back by this
title. I had been shocked once before with the release of The Twilight Samurai
which was a relatively new film coming out in 2002. I guess I get this idea
inside my head that Twilight Time only releases older films and so that
mentality I have to get out of. The Little House is a brand new movie which
came out in 2014. And now I say this with all honesty, what a film. This
Japanese piece of cinema is flooring. The man behind the film the director
surprisingly also directed another flawless film put out by Twilight Time
Blu-ray, the one I mentioned, The Twilight Samurai (YOU CAN READ MY REVIEW FOR IT HERE). After I saw who directed The
Little House I knew then that I was ready for this film. I knew the talent and
the expertise of this powerful director. Yoji Yamada is by far one of the
greatest film directors of all time. His mastery is not able to be described
into a word format. You just have to see his films to fully understand his
mastery.
The Little House is another one of those fantastic examples
of beautiful, and thought provoking cinema that never lets go of you. Twilight
Time Blu-ray graced this passionate drama with a clarity, and a vibrant
understanding on just how important this piece of cinema is. I speak highly of
this movie. A wonderful drama that takes you back in time to the 30’s and 40’s, and allows you to experience Japan. The story unfolds through a narration of believability
that places you there in all the happenings on screen.
The plot is set in Japan. In the era of the 30’s and 40’s, and the coming war is also an added factor. The story is told by Taki Nunomiya, who
is in the present, an old woman looking back over her past. Her tale is that in the
1930’s she was taken to Tokyo as a servant to be placed in a household, and
become there maid. Through, The Little House, the drama unfolds in great detail
as the story is told. The upcoming aspect of war, a love affair that can only
have a disastrous outcome, and every aftermath that awaits.
I don’t want to sound clichéd, but I have to, this is a
perfect film. A perfection of beauty through story, acting, directing and an
experience of drama. This is lovingly shot by Masashi Chikamori. The
cinematography is utterly mind numbing. The whole film, seems real. The
costumes, production, sets and everything is detailed with a brilliance that is
flooring. I absolutely love Yoji Yamada as a director, and visionary of film.
This is must see, and must own experience. A beautiful vibrant
Blu-ray. A top quality product and perfect example of how to treat an important
piece of cinema with a lovely transfer to blu-ray quality.
Audio/Video: 5/5
As I have stated beautiful, vibrant and crisp in imagery.
The sound is phenomenal. The audio and video is priceless.
LANGUAGE: Japanese
VIDEO: 1080p High Definition / 1.85:1
AUDIO: Japanese 5.1 DTS-HD MA
SUBTITLES: English
Extras: 3/5
You get the very important isolated score track. The music
in this film is another one of its breathtaking realities. The score by Joe
Hisaishi is a stunning ear candy. Now all one has to do is look at the career
of Hisaishi. He has mastered some of the greatest film scores, at least in my
lifetime. He was responsible for the music, for two of my favorite animated
films of all time, two of my favorite films period. 1984’s Nausicaa of the
Valley of the Wind, and 2001’s Spirited Away. He has worked on many of the
wonderful Ghibli Studios animated features. He is a master that lives the
music. He understands the beating heart of music and it showcases in all his
films.
You also get original theatrical trailers.
And one of the most important aspect is the small insert booklet
about the film written by film guru and film historian, Julia Kirgo. As always
a true treat to read.
Overall:
Passionate. Powerful. Dramatic. A story of excellence acted
out by flawless performances.
INFO:
Make sure you head over to www.screenarchives.com to buy all
the wonderful Twilight Time Blu-rays. The main page that gives you these
beautiful releases on top quality Special Editions.
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