Picture Bride (1994)

Mesmerising account of the picture brides
I can't believe I came upon this gem of a movie by accident - The Picture Bride is a haunting account of the journey of naive 16 year old Okinawan, Riyo [Youki Kudoh] who accepts a marriage proposal from far-flung Hawai'i, from a man whose only contact is through a picture and some letters.She accepts the proposal only because of her own sorry circumstances, bearing a social stigma associated with the demise of both her parents from a disease. Upon arrival however, Riyo is devastated to learn that her 'young' husband [as seen in the photos he sent] is actually a 43 year old man, older even than her deceased father. Matsuji [Akira Takayama] is aware of Riyo's aversion to him, and though eager to consummate their marriage, he patiently waits and bears with her impatience, rudeness, lack of adaptability etc.

The story moves along and we follow young Riyo's journey as a picture bride. She puts up with much hardship, toiling by day in the sugar plantation, and by night as a laundress, helping her friend, Kana [Tamlyn Tomita] who herself is a picture bride and in a tempestuous marriage marred by violence. Riyo's dream is to earn and save enough to make her way back to Japan, a fact her older husband is much aware of. Yet, as time passes, Riyo begins to form an attachment to her husband, who despite his unsophisticated ways and age, is at heart a patient and kind man.

The Picture Bride is a poignant movie that has humor, tenderness and is set against a historical and scenic backdrop. It is also enhanced by the appearance of legendary Japanese screen icon, Toshiro Mifune who plays the role of a travelling storyteller. Well-acted and beautifully told.

"In Hawaiian People Say Hana Mean Work" ~ A Daily Regime Of Harvesting, Laundry And Croquettes
Note: The "Product Details" information is incorrect. This film is presented in Japanese with English subtitles.

Synopsis: Set in the early years of the 1900's a young maiden named Riyo leaves Yokohama, Japan shortly after her parent's death in hopes to find a loving husband and new life in Hawaii. She is a "picture bride" meaning all they know of each other is based on a letter and an enclosed photograph.

Unfortunately things take a turn for the worse when she arrives at her destination and discovers a much older man waiting for her than she had expected. Matsuji, her intended, had sent a photograph of himself at a much younger age and now the young bride-to-be finds herself about to marry someone older than her deceased Father. Her initial enthusiasm is quickly replaced by disappointment and the prospects of a loveless marriage and hard work in the sugar cane field is all that remains.

As the days go by Riyo struggles to come to grips with the hard work in the sugar cane fields, the laundry work she takes on during the night and the presence of a man she doesn't love. Will Riyo ever be able to forgive Matsuji for his deception and transform disappointment into a fulfilling life in Hawaii? Only Riyo has the power to decide.

Filmed in Hawaii, the '95 release `Picture Bride' scores the highest of marks in every category. The cinematography is gorgeous, the music haunting, the storyline tender and the dialogue meaningful and believable. Youki Kudoh is absolutely beautiful in the lead role as the picture bride Riyo and Akira Takayama delivers a superior performance as her husband Matsuji. Don't miss this one!

"In Hawaiian People Say Hana Mean Work" ~ A Daily Regime Of Harvesting, Laundry And Croquettes
Note: The "Product Details" information is incorrect. This film is presented in Japanese with English subtitles.

Synopsis: Set in the early years of the 1900's a young maiden named Riyo leaves Yokohama, Japan shortly after her parent's death in hopes to find a loving husband and new life in Hawaii. She is a "picture bride" meaning all they know of each other is based on a letter and an enclosed photograph.

Unfortunately things take a turn for the worse when she arrives at her destination and discovers a much older man waiting for her than she had expected. Matsuji, her intended, had sent a photograph of himself at a much younger age and now the young bride-to-be finds herself about to marry someone older than her deceased Father. Her initial enthusiasm is quickly replaced by disappointment and the prospects of a loveless marriage and hard work in the sugar cane field is all that remains.

As the days go by Riyo struggles to come to grips with the hard work in the sugar cane fields, the laundry work she takes on during the night and the presence of a man she doesn't love. Will Riyo ever be able to forgive Matsuji for his deception and transform disappointment into a fulfilling life in Hawaii? Only Riyo has the power to decide.

Filmed in Hawaii, the '95 release `Picture Bride' scores the highest of marks in every category. The cinematography is gorgeous, the music haunting, the storyline tender and the dialogue meaningful and believable. Youki Kudoh is absolutely beautiful in the lead role as the picture bride Riyo and Akira Takayama delivers a superior performance as her husband Matsuji. Don't miss this one!