Watch House of Himiko

  • 2005
  • 2 hr 10 min

House of Himiko is a Japanese drama film that depicts the story of a gay antique dealer named Saori (Joe Odagiri) and his journey to find his true identity. The story takes place in Tokyo, where Saori owns a quaint antique shop called "House of Himiko." The shop's name is inspired by a fictional drag queen performer from the 1980s - Himiko - who Saori adores.

The film begins with Saori at a crossroads in his life. He is struggling to come to terms with his sexual identity and is facing intense pressure from his conservative family to settle down and start a family. Saori, however, is unable to move past his tumultuous past, and his feelings of loneliness and insecurity start to engulf him.

Saori's life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a trunk of old letters and photographs in his shop. The letters are addressed to a gay male couple who owned the shop in the 1950s, and the old photographs of the couple pique Saori's curiosity. Saori becomes obsessed with the couple's love story and begins to delve deeper into their lives.

His obsession soon leads him to meet the elderly Minako (Min Tanaka), who was friends with the gay couple in the 1950s. Minako enlightens Saori on the circumstances surrounding the couple's lives, and their struggles with discrimination and homophobia at a time when Japan was intolerant of homosexuality.

Saori becomes fascinated with the couple's story and begins to draw parallels between their lives and his own. He discovers that coming out is a brave and powerful act, and his respect for the gay couple grows. As Saori learns more about their love story, he gains the strength to confront his own inner demons.

The film also explores Saori's relationship with a young woman named Sachiko (Kou Shibasaki), who becomes interested in the history of the shop and assists Saori in his research. The relationship between Saori and Sachiko becomes increasingly complex as they navigate their feelings for each other. Saori is attracted to Sachiko, but he is unable to give her the emotional commitment she desires, leading to friction in their relationship.

The film is a poignant exploration of identity and love, with powerful performances from the lead actors. Joe Odagiri embodies Saori's vulnerability and confusion with a stunning depth of emotion, and Min Tanaka's portrayal of the elderly Minako is both endearing and inspiring. Kou Shibasaki, too, delivers a stirring performance as Sachiko, showcasing her nuanced emotional range.

The direction, too, is sensitive and poignant, with a careful balance of humor and emotional depth. The film's pacing is slow, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the character's emotions and experiences. The cinematography is stunning, and the Tokyo cityscape is used to great effect, providing a backdrop for the story's events.

Overall, House of Himiko is a powerful exploration of love, identity, and the human experience, with a cast of stellar actors and an unforgettable story. It is a moving and thought-provoking film that will resonate with audiences both in Japan and abroad.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2005
  • Runtime
    2 hr 10 min
  • Language
    Japanese
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