Mori, the Artists Habitat

“A delightful dip into a creator’s world. One of the Best Films of the Year” 　– Japan Times

In his last 30 years, reclusive artist Morikazu Kumagai (1880-1977), rarely ventured beyond his Tokyo home; instead, he spends hours in his luxuriant garden keenly observing the cats, fish, birds and insects and eventually rendering them into his distinct paintings.

Featuring a cast lead by screen legends Tsutomu Yamazaki and Kirin Kiki, this delightful, quirky and virtually plot-free comedy traces an imaginary day in the life of Mori and Hideko – his wife of over 50 years – as they entertain a throng of welcomed and unwelcomed visitors, including condo developers whose presence signals imminent and irreversible change.

Preceded by
John Northcott and David Michael Lamb’s
NORIKO MAEDA – FOUNDATIONS

Official Website and Trailer (In Japanese): mori-movie.com
You may purchase ticket(s) at Ticketweb, or at JCCC Reception, 416-441-2345.

30年間家からほとんど出ることなく、庭にいる虫達や草木、ねこなどをひたすら見つめ描き続け、97歳まで生涯現役だった伝説の画家熊谷守一。妻と暮らす守一の家には、守一の写真を撮る若い写真家の藤田、隣人の夫婦など、来客がひっきりなしだった。そんな熊谷夫婦と夫婦を取り巻く人々の魅力的な生き方をモデルに晩年のある一日をフィクションで描いた人間ドラマ。

熊谷守一夫妻を演じるのは同じ文学座に在籍し50年以上の付き合いになる山崎勉と樹木希林。本作が初共演となる。

監督：沖田修一『南極料理人』『横道世之介』
出演：山崎努、樹木希林、加瀬亮、光石研

Screening Partner