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Japanese Story
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Metascore
73 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critics What's this?

User Score
5.8 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 13 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Starring: Gotaro Tsunashima, Lynette Curran, Toni Collette
  • Summary: A cross-cultural journey, an emotional drama and a haunting love story between an ambitious geologist and a Japanese businessman. (Samuel Goldwyn Films)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: Michael Sragow
    100
    The glory of Japanese Story is that even after a daringly abrupt plot turn, the cast maintains its empathy and lucidity without interruption.
  2. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: J. Hoberman
    60
    Totally convincing in a physically demanding role, Collette carries the movie on her shoulders -- and that weight is what it's all about.
  3. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Megan Lehmann
    38
    Snoozy and unconvincing.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. juderobe
    7
    This movie has a lot going for it. Toni Collette and the Japanese visitor were both convincing although Collette overplayed quite a bit at the beginning. Many elements were comedic, and that includes the playing with Australian and Japanese cultural differences. When they got stuck in the desert I thought of the Japanese classic "Woman in the Dunes," and I was so glad about how unpretentious "Japanese Story" was in comparison!… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. MargoW.
    3
    Toni Collette is superb, but the film isn't. I think the film would have been better if the two leads had remained friends (a too short and unlikely jump from antagonism to romance), and if the swerve at the end hadn't occurred.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 11 User Reviews

Trailers

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