La Maison de Himiko
Saori is a young woman struggling to make her way in life. Her gay father, Himiko, had abandoned Saori and her mother years before. Now her father's young lover Haruhiko shows up to tell Saori that her father is dying of cancer. Still angry with her father but in need of money, Saori travels to the House of Himiko, a nursing home established by her father for gay men. Over time, a tenuous relationship begins to develop between Saori, her father, and Haruhiko.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man, Jo, is struggling to deal with the recent death of his father, a well-known yakuza boss. His life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers his father had a secret second family and a lover, a flamboyant man named Saejima, who runs a gay bar called 'La Maison de Himiko'. Jo is tasked by his dying father's will to work at the bar for a year, leading to a complex relationship with Saejima and a deeper understanding of his father's hidden life.
Critical Reception
The film was generally well-received by critics for its sensitive portrayal of complex relationships and its exploration of themes such as family, identity, and acceptance. Audiences appreciated the emotional depth and the performances of the lead actors.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its emotional depth and exploration of unconventional family structures.
- Noted for strong performances, particularly from Joe Odagiri and Tatsuya Fujiwara.
- Appreciated for its tender and poignant storytelling.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews is not readily available.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Golden Bear at the 55th Berlin International Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The film's title, 'La Maison de Himiko', translates to 'The House of Himiko', referring to the gay bar where a significant portion of the story takes place and named after the shaman Queen Himiko of ancient Japan, symbolizing a space of powerful feminine energy and influence.
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