Their love story seemed really ordinary, even though Josée was disabled. They didn't try to make the audience feel sorry for her or anything, which is a good thing but at the same time it turned the story into an unremarkable one. If someone made a movie out of my love life I wouldn't watch it because it's normal and kinda boring.
10 Reviews
Love is eternal?
g-896224 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
How deep is everyone's obsession with "forever"? Love, when will it last forever? Once in love with each other, isn't it enough? The moment when two lives meet, warm and illuminate each other, enrich each other, isn't it enough? In the pale and sleepy life of a girl, love has come, it is better than never.
Do you ever dislike a film but you don't know why?
rooprect7 October 2006
This is one of those films that went wrong, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly why. As best as I can sum up, I'd say it suffers from an "identity crisis". This means that it gives you glimpses of some powerful themes, but it never follows through enough to satisfy. It flirts with comedy, with drama, with philosophy, but only as a dilettante would; it never jumps boldly into any of those veins.
Several scenes border on profound. The characters introduce some very insightful concepts, but the scenes always seem to cut short before the concepts truly materialize in the dialogue.
For example in one (otherwise great) scene, the girl describes how she has been brought up from the depths of her isolation. Then she injects, something like, "But even if I must return there, then that'll be OK." End scene. WHY? Is it because she has become a stronger person? Or is it because she prefers isolation? Or is it because she is apathetic? Like a fortune cookie with no context, it never gives us a hint how to apply this compelling statement. It's left as an unfinished whimsy.
I suppose this is the same technique used in Impressionism (painting) like the works of Monet where we are shown vague spots & outlines, and it is up to us to fill in the gaps with our imagination. If you like Impressionism, the you may like this film. But if you are more a fan of Classicism (Da Vinci, Rembrandt, even Dali) with its bold strokes and lucid representations, then you'll probably be left as unfulfilled as I was.
Visually, it was nice. The pacing was perfect. It was everything I've come to expect from modern Japanese cinema, but as I said above, it doesn't have the substance to back it up (despite its rich plot). I suggest you check out some of these films if you want to know what I'm talking about: Dolls (2002), Shiki-jitsu (2000), Cha no aji (2004), Warai no daigaku (2004), Shimotsuma monogatari (2004), Swing Girls (2004).
Those are examples of modern Japanese films that dive right into theme (be it drama, philosophy, romance or comedy) and they give you a lot to sink your teeth into. Ever since the days of Kurosawa, I believe this has been the tradition--perhaps the obligation--of Japanese cinema.
I wouldn't call Josee bad, but it's not quite as powerful as its contemporaries.
AFTERTHOUGHT: There's an 11-part Japanese docudrama called "1 Litre of Tears" which I believe handles this subject matter much more powerfully. The music is a little sappy, but the show is worth checking out if you can find it!
Several scenes border on profound. The characters introduce some very insightful concepts, but the scenes always seem to cut short before the concepts truly materialize in the dialogue.
For example in one (otherwise great) scene, the girl describes how she has been brought up from the depths of her isolation. Then she injects, something like, "But even if I must return there, then that'll be OK." End scene. WHY? Is it because she has become a stronger person? Or is it because she prefers isolation? Or is it because she is apathetic? Like a fortune cookie with no context, it never gives us a hint how to apply this compelling statement. It's left as an unfinished whimsy.
I suppose this is the same technique used in Impressionism (painting) like the works of Monet where we are shown vague spots & outlines, and it is up to us to fill in the gaps with our imagination. If you like Impressionism, the you may like this film. But if you are more a fan of Classicism (Da Vinci, Rembrandt, even Dali) with its bold strokes and lucid representations, then you'll probably be left as unfulfilled as I was.
Visually, it was nice. The pacing was perfect. It was everything I've come to expect from modern Japanese cinema, but as I said above, it doesn't have the substance to back it up (despite its rich plot). I suggest you check out some of these films if you want to know what I'm talking about: Dolls (2002), Shiki-jitsu (2000), Cha no aji (2004), Warai no daigaku (2004), Shimotsuma monogatari (2004), Swing Girls (2004).
Those are examples of modern Japanese films that dive right into theme (be it drama, philosophy, romance or comedy) and they give you a lot to sink your teeth into. Ever since the days of Kurosawa, I believe this has been the tradition--perhaps the obligation--of Japanese cinema.
I wouldn't call Josee bad, but it's not quite as powerful as its contemporaries.
AFTERTHOUGHT: There's an 11-part Japanese docudrama called "1 Litre of Tears" which I believe handles this subject matter much more powerfully. The music is a little sappy, but the show is worth checking out if you can find it!
Quite brilliant
kjihwan15 March 2005
This is a small masterpiece, one of the best films released in 2004. On the cover, it's an unlikely romance between an easy-going college boy and a captivating girl who is disabled from the waist down, but it doesn't even begin to show how wonderfully astute this film is in dealing with still-youthful emotions of its characters. 'Joze' captures what it's like to be young and in love perfectly, but it's never self-conscious or brash about it; it also deals with the question of disability in a quiet, subtle way, never patronizing it or pandering to its sentimental possibilities. Satoshi Tsumabuki of 'Waterboys' fame plays nicely against type as the well-meaning but shallow Tsuneo, while Chizuru Ikewaki is truly beguiling as the titular heroine. 'Joze' is a romance whose refreshing honesty and quiet courage is so rare these days that it may well go down as one of a kind. It's also one of the very few films to achieve a level of true emotional resonance, with an ending that is both low-key and utterly devastating at the same time. It is a moment that stays in your mind long after you've left the cinema, growing more and more tender as you dwell on it.
Peculiar Joze, amusing Joze, beautiful Joze
za_kannushi3 January 2005
This beautiful fairy tale from the shabby quarters of Osaka instantly became one of my favorite flicks of all time when I went to see at at the premiere at Cinequinto in Shibuya on a cold December afternoon in 2003. The cold and noisy streets of Shibuya contrasted the warmth of the cinema and the pleasant music played by Quruli during the credits.
Tsuneo is an easygoing guy who casually sleeps around with girls, works at the local Mahjong Parlour and generally drifts around. A typical Japanese college kid. That is until he literally bumps into Joze. A physically disabled girl who is pushed around in a baby carriage by an old lady (who sleeps at the dinner table throughout most of the movie). Tsuneo is intrigued by this beautiful and surprisingly intelligent young girl. Joze is sarcastic and defensive, but in a very charming manner, and Tsuneo soon becomes a regular visitor at the old lady's shabby house. But is it possible for a guy such as Tsuneo to commit himself to a very special girl such as Joze?
Chizuru Ikewaki's performance as Joze is really extraordinary. The sarcasm and witty remarks mixes really well with her Osaka-dialect and her eccentric exterior, and yet we sense a very sweet and vulnerable girl underneath her shell. Satoshi Tsumabuki also does his job quite well as Tsuneo. The chemistry and intimacy between the two characters as they grow closer to each feels quite real and convincing, and it is entertaining to just watch them interact casually at the same time.
There are so many details that make this movie entertaining. The kid who glares dumbfounded at a naked girl waves at Tsuneo's little brother. The love hotel that turns into the inside of a virtual aquarium when you turn the lights off. The exceedingly delicious-looking food that Joze casually cooks. All these details make this movie a unique and fun experience.
When the movie was over, I found myself entertained by the comic aspects of the movie, but I was also deeply touched by the love story, that seemed so profound and real. This movie is both a light, romantic comedy as well as an intimate story about two people who develop and evolve through their relationship. In this regard, it is thematically similar to recent films such as "Lost in Translation" (2003), "Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind" (2004) and the Japanese "Vibrator" (2003).
"Joze to tora to sakana tachi" is a rare and unique film experience. I implore you to see it.
Tsuneo is an easygoing guy who casually sleeps around with girls, works at the local Mahjong Parlour and generally drifts around. A typical Japanese college kid. That is until he literally bumps into Joze. A physically disabled girl who is pushed around in a baby carriage by an old lady (who sleeps at the dinner table throughout most of the movie). Tsuneo is intrigued by this beautiful and surprisingly intelligent young girl. Joze is sarcastic and defensive, but in a very charming manner, and Tsuneo soon becomes a regular visitor at the old lady's shabby house. But is it possible for a guy such as Tsuneo to commit himself to a very special girl such as Joze?
Chizuru Ikewaki's performance as Joze is really extraordinary. The sarcasm and witty remarks mixes really well with her Osaka-dialect and her eccentric exterior, and yet we sense a very sweet and vulnerable girl underneath her shell. Satoshi Tsumabuki also does his job quite well as Tsuneo. The chemistry and intimacy between the two characters as they grow closer to each feels quite real and convincing, and it is entertaining to just watch them interact casually at the same time.
There are so many details that make this movie entertaining. The kid who glares dumbfounded at a naked girl waves at Tsuneo's little brother. The love hotel that turns into the inside of a virtual aquarium when you turn the lights off. The exceedingly delicious-looking food that Joze casually cooks. All these details make this movie a unique and fun experience.
When the movie was over, I found myself entertained by the comic aspects of the movie, but I was also deeply touched by the love story, that seemed so profound and real. This movie is both a light, romantic comedy as well as an intimate story about two people who develop and evolve through their relationship. In this regard, it is thematically similar to recent films such as "Lost in Translation" (2003), "Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind" (2004) and the Japanese "Vibrator" (2003).
"Joze to tora to sakana tachi" is a rare and unique film experience. I implore you to see it.
the start of my relationship with Chizuru
j_eyon10 March 2018
A languidly paced journey thru a relationship - accompanying a callow young man who meets a young woman curled up in a baby carriage
intrigued - he worms in his way into the home of her eccentric grandmother where the young woman lives - and is offered a meal cooked by the young woman who - when finished cooking - drops from a stool onto the floor with a thud - and then drags herself and her useless legs to another area of the small home - instead of joining him at the table
tho sullen and curt with him - she possesses an offbeat appeal - the young man finds her so fascinating that she soon steals him away from his pretty girlfriend - the two women's confrontation in the middle of a street is one of my favorite scenes of all times
the strange evolving relationship goes where it wants to go - not where you want or expect it to go - don't expect longing gazes or romantic declarations - these two have edgy get-togethers - offbeat yet convincingly realistic
i loved it - i fell for the odd girl even more than the young man did - the actress who portrayed her - Chizuru Ikewaki - instantly took her place among my favorite actresses of all time - she's an immensely potent presence - and that first impression has stood up after seeing her in mostly smaller roles in lesser films - i've even heard speak decent english in one of them ("The Oishii Man") - i can heartily recommend her film "Across a Gold Prairie"
the leading actor had more scenes and was able to hold up the film in Ikewaki's absence - with pretty and talented Ueno Juri as the prior girlfriend giving him a boost at times - but this film is a showcase for Chizaru Ikewaki - and her character - the bewitching Jozee.
intrigued - he worms in his way into the home of her eccentric grandmother where the young woman lives - and is offered a meal cooked by the young woman who - when finished cooking - drops from a stool onto the floor with a thud - and then drags herself and her useless legs to another area of the small home - instead of joining him at the table
tho sullen and curt with him - she possesses an offbeat appeal - the young man finds her so fascinating that she soon steals him away from his pretty girlfriend - the two women's confrontation in the middle of a street is one of my favorite scenes of all times
the strange evolving relationship goes where it wants to go - not where you want or expect it to go - don't expect longing gazes or romantic declarations - these two have edgy get-togethers - offbeat yet convincingly realistic
i loved it - i fell for the odd girl even more than the young man did - the actress who portrayed her - Chizuru Ikewaki - instantly took her place among my favorite actresses of all time - she's an immensely potent presence - and that first impression has stood up after seeing her in mostly smaller roles in lesser films - i've even heard speak decent english in one of them ("The Oishii Man") - i can heartily recommend her film "Across a Gold Prairie"
the leading actor had more scenes and was able to hold up the film in Ikewaki's absence - with pretty and talented Ueno Juri as the prior girlfriend giving him a boost at times - but this film is a showcase for Chizaru Ikewaki - and her character - the bewitching Jozee.
Abrupt and unique. Utterly encapsulating and moving
asfandyarace17 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It's hard to impose any preconceived notion of what a romance film should be upon this movie. Its odd and quirky from the offset, and continually unpredictable. The abruptness and lack of grandeur at certain pivotal moments in the storyline, leads to intense and confusing emotions. Too often has a movie of this genre been predictable and dramatic. Josee, the tiger and the fish strikes a balance. It is the right amount of sentimentality mixed with sharp, cutting doses of reality that culminates in an experience that is ultimately very rich. One that leaves us confused, hurt, bewildered and with the odd notion that something is missing. Strikingly similar to how both lovers feel at the end of the movie. The remarkable subtlety of the ending is beautifully contrasted with the sheer intensity of emotion that surrounds this story. It is not a movie that I will forget about any time soon.
Read more for some shoddy analysis. Spoilers ahead The tiger and the fish signify monumental parts of Josee's journey. Both are animals that she sought out. Whilst the singling out of these two items seems odd, it is testament to the abruptness of her journey. This is all Josee gets to experience whilst in the 'honeymoon period' of their relationship. Proceeding this, life returns to normal. Except it isn't so normal. Her awareness and experience of the possibilities she has, has increased. In some ways this is the redeeming factor of her relationship, or is it? Perhaps her exposure to the wealth of experience available has brought to home the constraints of her disability. The naivety and rareness of the love and makes it doubtful that something similar will occur to Josee. She is forever trapped with the memory of her bliss. That is the cruelty of this movie, and is the reason why it shall never be forgotten by me.
Read more for some shoddy analysis. Spoilers ahead The tiger and the fish signify monumental parts of Josee's journey. Both are animals that she sought out. Whilst the singling out of these two items seems odd, it is testament to the abruptness of her journey. This is all Josee gets to experience whilst in the 'honeymoon period' of their relationship. Proceeding this, life returns to normal. Except it isn't so normal. Her awareness and experience of the possibilities she has, has increased. In some ways this is the redeeming factor of her relationship, or is it? Perhaps her exposure to the wealth of experience available has brought to home the constraints of her disability. The naivety and rareness of the love and makes it doubtful that something similar will occur to Josee. She is forever trapped with the memory of her bliss. That is the cruelty of this movie, and is the reason why it shall never be forgotten by me.
Watchable love story...
paul_haakonsen29 December 2021
Having watched the 2020 Anime version of this story and the 2020 South Korean version of this story already, I have to admit that I was already rather familiar with the plot and the story. But for some reason the original 2003 Japanese movie had eluded me up until 2020. So when I had the chance to sit down and watch "Joze to tora to sakana tachi" (aka "Josee, The Tiger and the Fish") of course I did so.
I have to say, first and foremost that I really enjoyed the 2020 Japanese Anime version of this story, but found the 2020 South Korean movie to be somewhat mediocre. But I had hopes for the 2003 Japanese movie as I sat down to watch what writer Aya Watanabe and director Isshin Inudô had in store for me.
The story was adequate, but then again I was already well-familiar with how it would play out, so there wasn't really much of anything new here. However, in this 2003 Japanese version director Isshin Inudô had a bit of nudity here and there, and that felt rather unnecessary to drive the movie forward, and it was something that the movie could have been without.
The acting performances by Chizuru Ikewaki (playing Joze/Kumiko) and Satoshi Tsumabuki (playing Tsuneo) was good and they definitely carried the movie quite well individually and together on the screen.
If you haven't already seen "Josee, The Tiger and the Fish", you should do so if you have the chance, because it is a good movie.
My rating of the 2003 Japanese version lands on a five out of ten stars though, as it just wasn't as emotional or riveting as the 2020 Anime version was.
I have to say, first and foremost that I really enjoyed the 2020 Japanese Anime version of this story, but found the 2020 South Korean movie to be somewhat mediocre. But I had hopes for the 2003 Japanese movie as I sat down to watch what writer Aya Watanabe and director Isshin Inudô had in store for me.
The story was adequate, but then again I was already well-familiar with how it would play out, so there wasn't really much of anything new here. However, in this 2003 Japanese version director Isshin Inudô had a bit of nudity here and there, and that felt rather unnecessary to drive the movie forward, and it was something that the movie could have been without.
The acting performances by Chizuru Ikewaki (playing Joze/Kumiko) and Satoshi Tsumabuki (playing Tsuneo) was good and they definitely carried the movie quite well individually and together on the screen.
If you haven't already seen "Josee, The Tiger and the Fish", you should do so if you have the chance, because it is a good movie.
My rating of the 2003 Japanese version lands on a five out of ten stars though, as it just wasn't as emotional or riveting as the 2020 Anime version was.
Harrowing love story
keinizam13 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a big fan of tsumabuki. This is a very good movie, and in my opinion the characters were very well executed. That said, i don't like the part when he left her in the end. He is a playboy who sleeps with many girls yet he cares so much for this handicapped girl that he had just found on the street. I can't imagine someone so young can be so selfless and willing to spend much of his time caring for this handicapped girl which he barely knows and abandons his own girlfriend for that reason. Sadly in the end everything changed. I feel sad for Josee. The 'good guy' entered her life, gave her hope and then ran away. I was hoping for a more positive and happy ending but i guess, that's life! It doesn't always have a happy ending.
A charming movie I'd recommend
charlesxavier-544058 January 2021
After watching this movie, I wanted to check what anyone else thinks about this movie. And after searching it on IMDb, I'm surprised to see that there were few reviews. So, if you're like me, and you're unsatisfied with how few reviews this movie has, this is for you.
To start off, it was amazing, right? Not perfect, but it is close. I'm now curious to check out other movies like this. You see, I don't watch a lot of films nowadays. But I got the chance to have a day off, that's why I decided to see this film. How did I find this film, you ask? I clicked on a music video, and I went to the comments section to know the name of the anime film being used for it. And there I found out it was a retelling of this movie, and since the anime film is fairly recent, I couldn't find any copies to watch. So that's why I decided to watch the live action.
Now that you know the context of how and why I got to watch this film, let me tell you why it was a pleasant watch. First and foremost, the story is sufficient enough to be charming in its own way. This is the kind of film you put on to kill time, maybe doze off, or try to self-insert yourself in the characters. Its a good story, not one of the best, but it has moments that makes up for it. And no, I'm not talking about the scenes you're thinking of.
Next, the characters are well-grounded, maybe a bit dramatic, but enough to buy into for the story. Not to undermine the film, but I didn't remember any name of the characters, except for Josee. And now, here's why you'll want to watch this film (or not), let me tell you, straight up. If you're like me, you'll have a great time imagining about Josee's character after watching the film. Maybe you can be a bit fond of her, just like me. Because, she's a good character to ponder and think about. I don't know her character stereotype, but I'll definitely look it up. Because I would like to watch more of her character.
But again, the movie is not groundbreaking. Its mostly quiet, and slow paced. But overall it adds to the charm of the whole movie. I'd recommend this movie for anyone who has spare time, and is open to be pleasantly surprised (or not) after watching a 2-hour movie.
To start off, it was amazing, right? Not perfect, but it is close. I'm now curious to check out other movies like this. You see, I don't watch a lot of films nowadays. But I got the chance to have a day off, that's why I decided to see this film. How did I find this film, you ask? I clicked on a music video, and I went to the comments section to know the name of the anime film being used for it. And there I found out it was a retelling of this movie, and since the anime film is fairly recent, I couldn't find any copies to watch. So that's why I decided to watch the live action.
Now that you know the context of how and why I got to watch this film, let me tell you why it was a pleasant watch. First and foremost, the story is sufficient enough to be charming in its own way. This is the kind of film you put on to kill time, maybe doze off, or try to self-insert yourself in the characters. Its a good story, not one of the best, but it has moments that makes up for it. And no, I'm not talking about the scenes you're thinking of.
Next, the characters are well-grounded, maybe a bit dramatic, but enough to buy into for the story. Not to undermine the film, but I didn't remember any name of the characters, except for Josee. And now, here's why you'll want to watch this film (or not), let me tell you, straight up. If you're like me, you'll have a great time imagining about Josee's character after watching the film. Maybe you can be a bit fond of her, just like me. Because, she's a good character to ponder and think about. I don't know her character stereotype, but I'll definitely look it up. Because I would like to watch more of her character.
But again, the movie is not groundbreaking. Its mostly quiet, and slow paced. But overall it adds to the charm of the whole movie. I'd recommend this movie for anyone who has spare time, and is open to be pleasantly surprised (or not) after watching a 2-hour movie.
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