Josee, the Tiger and the Fish

Unable to walk since birth, Josee (Ikewaki Chizuru) lives alone with her grandmother, not socializing with the neighbors. One day, Tsuneo (Tsumabuki Satoshi) happens to meet her and her grandmother, and gradually becomes attracted to Josee. Tsuneo knows a girl named Kanae who studies social welfare, so he tries to help Josee and her grandmother. However, Josee gets deeply hurt after she finds out he’s dating Kanae, and tells him not to ever come to their house again. Time passes and Tsuneo visits Josee after he learns her grandmother has died. He wants to build a relationship with her as his genuine girlfriend. Tsuneo takes her to the zoo, the aquarium, and the beach to show her the world outside.

Featuring Tsumabuki Satoshi, a young star of films and television, the film is also notable for its dynamic integration of Sanai Masafumi’s photographs and D’s illustrations. The original soundtrack is by the popular band Quruli. —JFDB