Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2010

©2010シグロ/バップ/ビターズ・エンド

There have been many great films about alcoholism—The Lost Weekend, Days of Wine and Roses and Leaving Las Vegas are just a few of the classics that spring to mind. Now celebrated director Yoichi Higashi (Berlin film fest Silver Bear winner for Village of Dreams) tosses his hat into the crowded ring with this fine piece. Yoi ga Sametara Uchi ni Kaeru is based on the true story of successful war photographer Yutaka Kamoshida, who was destroyed by his drinking problem. Higashi fictionalizes the main character as Yasu (Tadanobu Asano), a late-stage alcoholic who checks into rehab even though his health may already be irreparably damaged. Alternating between the brutal realities of the addiction, dark humor and quiet resignation, the film is punctuated by the poignant drawings of its protagonist’s manga-ka ex-wife, Yuki (Hiromi Nagasaku). Yasu, haunted by his past spousal abuse and absentee parenting of his two young children, finds friends in the clinic but little solace in the battle. Both actors shine and Higashi reaches a fine balance between pathos and hope. A must-see. English title: Wandering Home. (118 min)