NOBODY KNOWS A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 2005 Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): ** 1/2
In the beginning of NOBODY KNOWS, we are told that, although it was inspired by a true story, the movie is completely fictional. A nice example of a cute kids movie -- as in a movie filled with cute kids, as opposed to a kid's movie -- it derives most of its appeal from the sweet smiles of the four children who spend most of their time alone in a Tokyo apartment as Keiko (played by a pop star named "You"), their childlike mom, "works" late or goes off on a month long trip.
As the story starts, Keiko and 12-year-old son Akira (Yûya Yagira), her oldest child, are moving into a new apartment. Keiko explains to the neighbors that her husband is working abroad and that they will be quiet neighbors. Actually, there are four kids in the family and no father abroad. The other three children are hidden in suitcases. Once they are let out, they are read the riot act by their mother and admonished never to go outside. They also don't go to school, something that really bothers Akira, the family's surrogate father and mother. Akira is responsible for everything from the shopping to the food preparation. Not nearly as mature as her own son, Keiko, with her squeaky little voice, is nonetheless likable even if she is selfish, foolish and apparently very promiscuous.
The touching film would have been more enjoyable if they had lit it properly. The scenes, which occur mainly indoors, are grainy and ugly -- too bad since it is in the faces of the youngsters that the movie has its charms. Although I have friends who swear by this movie, I found this overly long film only modestly enjoyable and a possible candidate for my most overrated films of the year list.
NOBODY KNOWS runs way too long at 2:21. The film is in Japanese with English subtitles. It is rated PG-13 for "mature thematic elements and some sexual references" and would be acceptable for any kid old enough to be able to follow subtitles.
The film is playing in nationwide release now in the United States. In the Silicon Valley, it is showing at the Camera Cinemas.
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