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Japan · 2006
2h 2m
Director Yukihiko Tsutsumi
Starring Ken Watanabe, Kanako Higuchi, Kenji Sakaguchi, Kazue Fukiishi
Genre Drama
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After being stricken with Alzheimer's disease in the prime of his life, a successful young businessman slips slowly away from his loving family in director Yukihiko Tstusumi's poignant family drama. Saeki (Ken Watanabe) is about to launch what promises to be the most successful advertising campaign in his burgeoning career. In addition to his astonishingly fast ascent up the corporate ladder, Saeki's beautiful young daughter is about to be married, and he will soon become a youthful grandfather.
We hate to say it, but we can't find anywhere to view this film.
Of course, it's no surprise that a melodrama would be melodramatic. But that doesn't mean it has to be graceless--as "Away From Her" shows--and grace, that virtue most characteristic of Japanese film, is what Memories of Tomorrow completely lacks.
This heartfelt tale of disintegration and acceptance, seasoned with family devotion, will both raise and soothe the anxieties of those of us who regularly ask ourselves why we came into the kitchen two minutes ago.
The Hollywood Reporter by Frank Scheck
What distinguishes it are its intelligent, unsentimental screenplay, which only occasionally lapses into emotional manipulation; the assured direction by Yukihiko Tsutsumi; and the superb acting.
The New York Times by Jeannette Catsoulis
Memories of Tomorrow finally understands that the real victim of this terrible affliction is the partner left behind.
TV Guide Magazine by Maitland McDonagh
Veers regularly into disease-of-the-week territory but is rescued by the powerhouse performances of Ken Watanabe (who was instrumental in getting the film made) and Kanako Higuchi.
Chicago Tribune by Michael Phillips
By the time Watanabe encounters a holy senile fool in the forest, the film has foregone contemporary urban “King Lear” territory for something a lot closer to the Lifetime Channel.
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
The first movie I’ve seen about the disease that is told from the sick person’s point of view, not that of family members. The director, Yukihiko Tsutsumi, often uses a subjective camera to show the commonplace world melting into bewildering patterns and meanings.
As the wife, pixie-ish Kanako Higuchi provides the perfect accompaniment to Watanabe.
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