Warm Water Under a Red Bridge Review
[Adult Content in Film]

I selected Warm Water Under a Red Bridge with the anticipation of sitting back to watch a gentle, mystical fable. I did not realize the movie’s simple description of a “filling up of water” was referring to a greatly exaggerated natural physiological occurrence. I also didn't realize that the story takes place in modern times. Though Warm Water Under a Red Bridge did turn out to be a fairly gentle movie, a few of the scenes may cause mental discomfort for sexually repressed viewers.

The story in Warm Water Under a Red Bridge follows the journey of unemployed Japanese office worker Yosuke (Koji Yakusho) who stumbles into new possibilities while on a somewhat casual quest for a treasure he learns of from an older homeless friend. The treasure may or may not exist and it may or may not be hidden in a house in a seaside town where most of the film takes place. Yosuke encounters Saeko (Misa Shimizu), a distinctive woman who seems to offer an unusual and interesting alternative to Yosuke's collapsing life.

This movie definitely confirms the Japanese high level of comfort with natural bodily functions. Warm Water Under a Red Bridge exaggerates one such function in a way that I think a western movie would be very unlikely to do.

This film has many light moments, but it doesn't really come across as a comedy. Perhaps for that reason I found the choice in musical theme for the sexual events, along with director Shohei Imamura’s choices in direction in those scenes, to be a little awkward. It seemed as if a decision was made to push the audience into a forced humorous reaction with the pivotal sexual release scenes. Those choices may have been better for the balance of the film and pursuing more eroticism might not have been appropriate, but while watching the movie I couldn't help but wonder how the sex scenes might have turned out if they had been shot with more erotic intent.

Warm Water Under a Red Bridge is an unusual experience that may not please everyone, but I am sure it is unusual enough to hold the attention of many. It was definitely unusual enough to hold my attention. This movie surprised me, and I like being surprised by movies. Warm Water Under a Red Bridge's distinctiveness helped me to bump its overall rating up to 4 Siberians with no reservations.

Savage Japan Misc. Tidbits
I love the placement of the Macaw parrot in this movie. It is a nice detail that simply exists with no time wasted on revealing unnecessary information about why it is exists. The parrot quietly emphasizes the fact that this is the home of a not-so-ordinary family. Also, the bridge itself is a remarkably comfortable element and a great home base for the story.

For Japanese Language Students
For Japanese culture and language enthusiasts who are not uncomfortable with unusual sexual topics, Warm Water Under a Red Bridge offers some interesting views into Japan. For Japanese listening comprehension practice, I think the film is a good selection. Warm Water Under a Red Bridge features modern real world conversations with plenty of opportunities to pick out words and phrases. There are also modern day uses of kanji and kana spotted occasionally in the film.

Dan Savage
Dan@SavageSnow.com

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