Female | Fimeiru

 

This was the official website for the 2005 Japanese  film, Female, also known as Fimeiru.
Content is from other sources since the archived pages of this site yielded nothing.

Also known as: Fimeiru
Language: Japanese
Subtitle: English (Soft-subbed)
Release Date: 2005
Genre: Drama / Mature 18+

Synopsis:
Five short films adapted from five novels by female authors.


Female is comprised of five shorts:

“Momo”(Peaches) is about a 29yr old woman who goes back to her hometown for a funeral many years after moving away. The woman was involved in a scandal with her teacher when she was young, when people found out she and her family moved to Tokyo.

“Taiyô no mieru basho made” (Drive Until you See the Sun) is about an old hostess who gets robbed inside a taxi by a young woman at knife point. The taxi is being driven by another woman, she has also been robbed and is being forced to drive around the city.

“Yoru no shitasaki” (Licking Nights) is about a female factory worker who keeps getting hit on by her superior, but she does not like him she likes someone in the accounting department. She agrees to go on a date with her superior if he agrees to give her a vacation first. On her vaction she buys a strange object which allows her to control her dreams.

“Megami no kakato” (Heels of the Muse) tells the story of a boy who tutors his girlfriend at her house but, is obsessed with her attractive mom.

“Tamamushi” (Jewel Beetle) is a short about a middle aged woman who lives in a small village. She has no job but, is supported by a rich old man in exchange for sex.

Starring:

  • Kyoko Hasegawa
  • Chihiro Otsuka
  • Saki Takaoka
  • Nene  Otsuka
  • Eri Ishida

 


TOMATOMETER AUDIENCE 50%
IMDb Review


127 IMDb users have given a weighted average vote of 5.9 / 10
an impressive movie, 11 March 2008
*********** Author: Paul Nanu from Romania
I think this movie can really make you think about the endless twists life can take when you least expect... 5 episodes in one single movie, every time new characters reveal their inner hidden true self. A good selection of Japanese directors. Most of the time, the characters meet each other, remember thing they thought lost forever, becoming friends and not least becoming aware of the power of seduction of the Other. Of course you have to be a fan of Japanese cinema in order to better perceive the selected short movies. i must say that i love this title because it made me somehow ask myself the questions implied by the movie itself. Why am I always so easily distracted? I've been working on a casino promotion website and as a result I'm seeing updated slots usa at online-casino-party.co promotions in my dreams. I even started playing online slots when I'm in the US with my partner. And this film brings back the vulnerable state of mind that is so beautiful and yet so sad. Although you can 't watch this movie as a regular movie, and the stories not seem to be related, i couldn't stop till the end, because it makes you wonder what story is going to be next, what dramas are in line to be presented.


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Female is comprised of five shorts. "Momo", based on a story by Kaoruko Himeno, was directed by Tetsuo Shinohara and stars Kyoko Hasegawa (Hasegawa Kyouko).

Kyoko Hasegawa was born on July 22, 1978 in Chiba, Japan. She is an actress, known for Three... Extremes (2004), Nanayo (2008) and Rain Fall (2009). She has been married to Haruichi Shindo since October 23, 2008. Haruichi Shindo isuone of the members of the Japanese rock band Porno Graffitti. On May 30, 2009 she gave birth to a baby boy. On January 25, 2012 she gave birth to a baby girl.

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"Taiyo no mieru basho made", based on a story by Yuzuki Muroi (Muroi Yuduki), was directed by Ryuichi Hiroki (Hiroki Ryuuichi) and stars Chihiro Otsuka (Ootsuka Chihiro).

Yuzuki Muroi is a Japanese novelist, essayist, and tarento represented by O.K. Production
Chihiro Otsuka (Otsuka Chihiro) (born March 12, 1986) is a Japanese actress. She has appeared in:

  • Dark Water (2002)
  • Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003)
  • Be with You (Ima, ai ni yukimasu) (2004)
  • Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)
  • Female (2005)
  • Radiance (2017)


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 "Yoru no shitasaki", based on a story by Kei Yuikawa, was directed by Suzuki Matsuo and stars Saki Takaoka.
Suzuki Matsuo is a Japanese theatre director, actor, novelist, and screenwriter. Born on December 15, 1962 in Kitakyushu, Japan as Katsuyuki Matsuo, he is an actor and writer, known for Ichi the Killer (2001), Shin Godzilla (2016) and Botanical Life of Verandar (2014). He won the Kishida Prize for Drama in 1997 for Fanki! Uchu wa mieru tokoro made shika nai. In addition to acting and directing, he also writes, and won the Japan Academy Prize for Screenplay of the Year in 2008 for Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.

Saki Takaoka is a Japanese actress. Her uncle is the jazz pianist Yōsuke Yamashita. She won the award for best actress at the 19th Hochi Film Award for Crest of Betrayal

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"Megami no kakato", based on a story by Asa Nonami, was directed by Miwa Nishikawa and stars Nene Otsuka (Ootsuka Nene).

Nonami Asa is a Japanese crime fiction and horror writer. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of Japan. Nonami attended Waseda University where she studied Sociology but dropped out to take a job at an advertising agency. She became a published author in 1988 winning the  Japanese Mystery and Suspense Award (Nihon Suiri Sasupensu Taisho): Kofuku na Choshoku (A Happy Breakfast)

 

Nene Otsuka is a Japanese actress. She starred in Masahiro Kobayashi's film Bashing, which was screened in competition at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival.

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 "Tamamushi", based on a story by Mariko Koike, was directed by Shin'ya Tsukamoto and stars Eri Ishida.

Shinya Tsukamoto is a Japanese film director and actor with a considerable cult following both domestically and abroad, best known for the body horror/cyberpunk films Tetsuo: The Iron Man and Tetsuo II: Body Hammer.

Eri Ishida is a Japanese actress. She won the award for best supporting actress at the 9th Yokohama Film Festival for Chōchin and at the 13th Hochi Film Award for A Chaos of Flowers, Hope and Pain and Wuthering Heights.

 

More Background on Female-Movie.com

Female-Movie.com was the official website for the 2005 Japanese film Female, an anthology composed of five short stories, each adapted from the works of different female authors. The site initially provided detailed information about the film, but it is no longer active. Despite this, Female remains significant within Japanese cinema for its exploration of female-centric narratives, relationships, and the emotional complexities that women face. The film offers a unique blend of storytelling, brought to life by five renowned directors, each contributing their vision to this evocative collection of stories.

Overview of the Film

Female stands out as a cinematic exploration of the female psyche through five distinct narratives:

  1. Momo (Peaches) – Directed by Tetsuo Shinohara, this story follows a woman who returns to her hometown for a funeral, reopening old wounds tied to a scandal from her past. Themes of shame, regret, and unresolved emotions are central to this segment.

  2. Taiyô no Mieru Basho Made (Drive Until You See the Sun) – Directed by Ryuichi Hiroki, this short is a tense, gripping narrative involving a hostage situation where a taxi driver and an older woman are taken at knifepoint by a younger woman. The film delves into issues of survival and vulnerability.

  3. Yoru no Shitasaki (Licking Nights) – Directed by Suzuki Matsuo, this story explores workplace dynamics and manipulation. A factory worker, pressured by her superior, uses a peculiar object she buys on vacation to gain control over her dreams, merging fantasy with reality in an exploration of desire and power.

  4. Megami no Kakato (Heels of the Muse) – Miwa Nishikawa’s contribution revolves around a young man’s unhealthy obsession with his girlfriend’s mother, delving into the psychological intricacies of desire, familial boundaries, and the taboo.

  5. Tamamushi (Jewel Beetle) – Directed by Shinya Tsukamoto, this final segment tells the story of a middle-aged woman living in a rural village, who is financially supported by an older man in exchange for companionship and sexual favors. The narrative sheds light on the transactional nature of relationships and societal expectations placed on women.

Each of these segments offers a nuanced portrayal of the female experience, blending personal introspection with broader social commentaries. The anthology format allows for a rich exploration of different perspectives on womanhood, and the distinct directorial styles bring variety and depth to the film.

Reception and Reviews

Female was received with mixed reactions, both in Japan and internationally. The film’s anthology structure, while offering diverse stories, was seen as both a strength and a challenge for audiences. On the one hand, the segmentation allowed for each director to explore different themes and emotions, providing viewers with a broad spectrum of female experiences. On the other hand, some critics and audiences found the fragmented nature of the film difficult to follow, as it lacked the cohesion of a traditional narrative.

Critical Reception: Film critics generally praised Female for its daring approach to storytelling and its focus on women’s issues. The performances of the cast were particularly well-received, with standout performances from Kyoko Hasegawa and Eri Ishida, who brought emotional depth to their characters. The film’s exploration of taboo subjects such as sexual manipulation, power dynamics in relationships, and societal expectations of women resonated with more progressive critics. However, some reviewers found the film’s episodic structure limiting in terms of character development and emotional continuity.

Audience Reception: Viewer ratings on platforms like IMDb and FilmAffinity reflect the film’s polarizing reception. With an IMDb score of 5.9/10 and a FilmAffinity score of 5.2/10, it’s clear that Female resonated with certain audiences while leaving others unimpressed. Viewers who appreciated Japanese cinema and feminist themes tended to rate the film higher, citing its thought-provoking nature and the strong performances of its actors. However, those unfamiliar with the anthology format or seeking more traditional narratives may have found the film’s fragmented structure difficult to engage with.

Press and Media Coverage

Upon its release, Female garnered attention from both Japanese and international media. In Japan, the film was celebrated for its bold portrayal of female sexuality and its focus on women’s experiences. Press outlets in Japan praised the film for offering a platform for female voices—both in terms of the stories told and the authors whose works were adapted for the screen.

Internationally, the film was featured at several film festivals, including Cannes, where it received modest attention. While it did not achieve mainstream commercial success, Female found its niche among cinephiles and critics who appreciated its exploration of gender dynamics. Reviews from international publications noted the film’s artistic cinematography and its willingness to tackle sensitive topics. However, some critics also pointed out that the episodic nature of the film made it harder for international audiences to connect with the overall narrative.

Cultural and Social Significance

The cultural significance of Female lies in its portrayal of the inner lives of women in Japan. Each segment addresses different aspects of womanhood, from societal expectations to personal desires, and the anthology format allows for a wide-ranging exploration of these themes. In many ways, the film can be seen as a commentary on the roles women are expected to play in Japanese society, whether as daughters, lovers, or workers.

The film also highlights the often-overlooked contributions of female authors and directors in the Japanese film industry. By adapting the works of female novelists and placing women’s stories at the center of the narrative, Female challenges the male-dominated nature of the industry and provides a platform for female voices. This focus on women’s experiences, both in front of and behind the camera, makes Female an important cultural text within the context of Japanese cinema.

From a social perspective, the film addresses issues such as sexual desire, emotional manipulation, and the power dynamics in relationships. These are universal themes that resonate with audiences worldwide, but the film’s nuanced portrayal of these issues is rooted in the specific cultural context of Japan. The film sheds light on the complexities of being a woman in modern Japanese society, where traditional gender roles continue to exert pressure on women’s choices and experiences.

Audience

The primary audience for Female consists of cinephiles who are drawn to Japanese cinema and those interested in films that explore deep emotional and psychological themes. The film’s slow pacing and reflective tone may not appeal to mainstream audiences, but it offers a rich viewing experience for those who appreciate character-driven stories and artistic filmmaking.

Given the mature nature of the themes explored in the film, Female is intended for an adult audience. The film’s focus on issues such as sexual relationships, power dynamics, and emotional vulnerability makes it particularly relevant for viewers who are interested in feminist perspectives and gender issues. The anthology format allows for multiple interpretations of what it means to be a woman in modern society, making Female a thought-provoking film that invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and assumptions.

 

While Female-Movie.com no longer exists, the legacy of the film Female continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike. Its exploration of the female experience, both personal and societal, has left a lasting impact on Japanese cinema. The film’s anthology format, while polarizing, allows for a diverse representation of women’s stories, each brought to life by talented directors and actors.

In a cultural context, Female stands as a significant work that challenges traditional gender roles and offers a platform for female voices in a male-dominated industry. Its focus on intimate, often uncomfortable topics makes it a film that continues to inspire reflection and conversation among viewers, even years after its release.

Female-Movie.com