Starring: Yuya Yagira, Ayu Kitaura, Hiei Kimura, Momoko Shimizu, You
Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
Category: IA (Japanese)
Tragedy is draped over Nobody Knows like a mist. You get the sense from the outset that something isn't quite right, that we're building towards the horrible. And it's full credit to director Hirokazu Kore-eda that he still makes his film so engaging - you don't want to see what's going on, but won't be able to tear your eyes from the screen. This is human drama played out in a relentless downward spiral.
The film's basic concept is drawn from actual events - what came to be known as 'the affair of the four abandoned children of Nishi-Sugamo' - although he's apparently changed events somewhat. We have a single mother Keiko (You), who arrives at her new flat with her 12-year-old son Akira (Yuya Yagira) in tow. What the landlord doesn't know is that Keiko has three more kids hidden away in her luggage. Four kids, from four different fathers - something that she needs to keep out of sight if they're to find a home.
Of the children, then, only Akira is allowed outside - 10-year-old Kyoko (Ayu Kitaura), seven-year-old Shigeru (Hiei Kimura) and four-year-old Yuki (Momoko Shimizu) must remain in the flat at all times. With Keiko away at work - and at play - for most of the day, Akira takes on the role of parent, guiding his siblings through their daily chores and generally looking out for their well-being. And things look OK - just - for a time.