Australian drama stars Toni Collette as the director of a software company in Perth acting as hostess to a potential buyer visiting from Japan; they have the usual difficulties (both cultural and ideological) understanding one another, and she's angered by becoming his chauffeur, but they eventually discover a surprising mutual attraction out on the open road. Story of a quickly-formed relationship takes a sudden turn in its third act, becoming an emotional study of human despair. I haven't always been a fan of Collette's work; I don't see the appeal in the choices she makes as an actress, nor in the projects she takes on (she gives herself over to her roles, yes, but always to a fault. I feel she bleeds out her characters, obliterating whatever our feelings are towards the women she's portraying). Director Sue Brooks makes the mistake of doting on Collette's openly panicked expression until we have the actress's face practically memorized: the high forehead, the crooked nose, the round, searching eyes and parted lips (always on the verge of saying something). That aside, I was moved by Collette's performance here: first, by her animal-like confusion and fear, followed by a deeply-felt inner sadness and, finally, acceptance. It's a true actors' turn, though not without some missteps (Collette has a burst of anger when she first returns to her office that makes her seem a bit frightening, behavior which is then matched by her weirdly robotic walk). "Japanese Story", written by Alison Tilson, doesn't really have a point to make; however, when the emotions of the piece take over, everything seems to click into place--and Brooks' finale is heartfelt and true. The winner of a whopping eight Australian Film Institute Awards, including Best Film. **1/2 from ****
Review of Japanese Story
