Ringo and Inako are on the run from loan sharks and end up in an apartment owned by Ringo’s friend Shimamoto owns. But there was one condition: they can stay there for just one night. Confined to the small place, the two try to seek peace for while. Actually, the air echoes with confusion, insecurities, exhaustion, and, most of all, guilt for what they did. The film unveils the couple’s intensified emotions in the closed-room drama. —mardelplatafilmfest.com
Born in Yokohama, Japan in 1956. Nagasaki started making 8mm and 16mm films while at university in the late 70s. He has been directing many films as the pioneer of Japanese independent movement since 80s. As his most recent accomplishment, he directed a thriller feature of Shi-koku (1999), an astonishing drama of A Tender Place (2001), and Christmas in August (2005). He is widely acclaimed both in Japan and internationally for his distain for the trendy, and his relentless pursuit of themes that illuminate the complexity of the heart with consummate perfection. His Heart, Beating in the Dark (original title: Yamiutsu shinzo) was based on his 8mm independent film of 23 years earlier, and in addition to being given a special invitation to the 2005 Vancouver International Film Festival, was also the opening film at the 2006 International Film Festival Rotterdam. —history.pifan.com
