Review of Picture Bride (1995) by Zarinah H — 15 Jan 2008

I can't believe I came upon this gem of a movie by accident - The Picture Bride is a haunting account of the journey of naive 16 year old Okinawan, Riyo [Youki Kudoh] who accepts a marriage proposal from far-flung Hawai'i, from a man whose only contact is through a picture and some letters.She accepts the proposal only because of her own sorry circumstances, bearing a social stigma associated with the demise of both her parents from a disease. Upon arrival however, Riyo is devastated to learn that her 'young' husband [as seen in the photos he sent] is actually a 43 year old man, older even than her deceased father. Matsuji [Akira Takayama] is aware of Riyo's aversion to him, and though eager to consummate their marriage, he patiently waits and bears with her impatience, rudeness, lack of adaptability etc.

The story moves along and we follow young Riyo's journey as a picture bride. She puts up with much hardship, toiling by day in the sugar plantation, and by night as a laundress, helping her friend, Kana [Tamlyn Tomita] who herself is a picture bride and in a tempestuous marriage marred by violence. Riyo's dream is to earn and save enough to make her way back to Japan, a fact her older husband is much aware of. Yet, as time passes, Riyo begins to form an attachment to her husband, who despite his unsophisticated ways and age, is at heart a patient and kind man.

The Picture Bride is a poignant movie that has humor, tenderness and is set against a historical and scenic backdrop. It is also enhanced by the appearance of legendary Japanese screen icon, Toshiro Mifune who plays the role of a travelling storyteller. Well-acted and beautifully told.