Memories of Matsuko

Subscribing to the "If less is more, just think how much more will be" school of thought, Memories of Matsuko is a five ring circus of emotion, deserving kudos for maintaining its 200mph tempo for 137 minutes, whether you beg for air or not.

Matsuko (Nakatani) dead beside a river as the film begins, comes to life through the investigations of her nephew, the directionless youth Shou (Eita).

From school teacher to hostess, call-girl, and gangster's moll, Matsuko's lifelong search for love vividly comes to life via eye-popping, saturated art direction, nicely choreographed musical numbers, and full-throttle performances, with Nakatani (who picked up a Japanese Oscar for her turn) devouring the title role.

Director Nakashima sneaks barbed comments on a woman's lot in a man's world into the primary coloured treacle, and an engrossing story of resilience ultimately tames the undisciplined pyrotechnics.

Shame then that all involved could not have brought the movie in under two hours, or resisted the urge to drown the good work in a sentimental climax that out-schmaltzes even the most calculating Hollywood romcom.

Rob Daniel