Memory & Desire is a 1998 New Zealand romantic drama film written and directed by Niki Caro,[1] in her feature film directorial debut. The film is based on the 1997 short story "Of Memory and Desire" by Peter Wells.[2][3]
| Memory & Desire | |
|---|---|
 U.S. distribution DVD cover | |
| Directed by | Niki Caro |
| Screenplay by | Niki Caro |
| Based on | "Of Memory and Desire" by Peter Wells |
| Produced by | Owen Hughes |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Dion Beebe |
| Edited by | Margot Francis |
| Music by | Peter Scholes |
Production company | Frame Up Films |
| Distributed by | Footprint Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 89 minutes |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Languages |
|
Plot
editSayo and Keiji are a Japanese couple who elope to New Zealand to get married. On their honeymoon, frustrated by being unable to consummate their marriage, Keiji fatally drowns in a swimming accident. Heartbroken after losing her husband, Sayo contemplates traveling back to Japan to once again live with her domineering mother, per Japanese tradition. Instead, she stays in New Zealand on the beach where Keiji drowned to find peace.
Cast
edit- Yuri Kinugawa as Sayo
- Eugene Nomura as Keiji
- Yoko Narahashi as Mrs. Nakajima
- Joel Tobeck as Nod
- Rome Kanda as Tour Guide
Production
editThe film was shot in New Zealand, at Studio West in West Auckland.[4]
Awards and nominations
edit| Group | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Cannes Film Festival | Caméra d'Or | Niki Caro | Nominated |
| 1998 Stockholm International Film Festival | Bronze Horse | Niki Caro | Nominated |
| 1998 Stockholm International Film Festival | Best actress | Yuri Kinugawa | Won |
| 1999 New Zealand Film and TV Awards | Best Film | Owen Hughes | Won |
| Best Foreign Performer | Yuri Kinugawa | Won | |
| Best Design | Grant Major | Won | |
| Special Jury Prize | Niki Caro | Won |
References
edit- ^ "Memory & Desire - Film". Park Circus. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
- ^ Elley, Derek (20 May 1998). "Memory & Desire". Variety. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
- ^ "Memory and Desire". NZ on Screen. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
- ^ "Our Story". Studio West. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
