At the age of 15, Kotono was raped. Natsume was born as a consequence. Seventeen years later, Kotono, her crippled father Kai and her daughter live a nomadic life in a van. Kotono, who no longer speaks, works as a masseuse. Natsume is present at each appointment, even if Kotono is hired for sex. With the money she earns, the three family members hire detectives to find the rapist. When they finally track him down, it turns out he is dying.
Nemuri yusurika, the Japanese film title, means sleeping chironomid: a type of mosquito that can survive long periods of draught and extreme heat, known for its remarkable resilience and vitality: like young Natsume. The difficult life of this traumatised family at times seems perverse, but also loving. In spite of everything, they enjoy catching fish, a small hamster and their strong bond. Sakaguchi’s extensive experience in documentary is evident in the film’s detailed realism.
Film details
- Country of production
- Japan
- Year
- 2011
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2011
- Length
- 96'
- Medium/Format
- HDcam
