This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!
Details
This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover was limited to 1,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
Named after Yasujiro Ozu’s custom-made, tatami-level, crab-like tripod, Kani is a new home video label dedicated to leveling the gaze and furthering the understanding of Asian cinema in North America. Focused on genre-defying films, Kani aims to expand the canon, bolster up-and-coming filmmakers and reintroduce repertory classics in context. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!
Shunzo (Bengal) and his wife Michi (Masako Motai) run a beloved greengrocer on the outskirts of Tokyo. When Lee, a struggling exchange student from China, visits the shop but is unable to afford the produce, an uneasy relationship sprouts. Begrudgingly, Shunzo agrees to lower his prices. Soon, Lee’s classmates begin frequenting the shop. As Shunzo’s generosity sneaks up on him and strains his family’s welfare, he confronts his role as surrogate father to his newfound Chinese friends.
Shot between May - July of 1989 and addressing the historically charged notion of a Sino-Japanese friendship, this lesser-seen masterpiece from director Nobuhiko Obayashi (House) chronicles the end of a decade marked by the Japanese economic bubble and the brutal close of possibility in China. A delicate elegy to the Chinese students of its time, Beijing Watermelon finds Obayashi at his most modern, channeling the style of Yasujiro Ozu, while his experimental flourishes provide the perfect disruption, inviting viewers to fill in the blanks of history.
directed by: Nobuhiko Obayashi starring: Bengal, Masako Motai, Le Han, Le Jun 1989 / 135 min / 1.85:1 / Japanese, Mandarin DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Region A Blu-ray
2K restoration
Interview with Chigumi Obayashi
Theatrical Trailer & Teaser
Optional English subtitles
Booklet with new writing by Aaron Gerow
New art by Qiu Jiongjiong of A New Old Play (Kani 010)
Logo design by Leo Mak
English subtitles
Overall rating: 4.737864 / 5 from 103 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Beijing Watermelon, a Blu-ray release from Kani, offers a beautifully restored film with a calming and genuine slice of life drama. Customers appreciate its great release, stunning visuals, and the meaningful story of a Sino-Japanese friendship. The film is well-received and praised for its beauty and historical context.
"Great movie by one of my favorite films" — Mia M.
"Lovely Release for a Lovely Film" — Kurt M.
"A beautiful and quiet little film." — Brad Y.
Reviews
Another Obayashi classic
"Obayashi's films always pull on the heart strings and the real life events around this one make it even more poignant"
— Dave C. (5/5)
Kani don’t miss
"Great to get any and all Obayashi on Blu Ray, a favorite director and one of the worlds most interesting filmmakers, he made so much in so many differing genres. This one is delicate slice of culture clash."
— Ben C. (5/5)
Terrific Humanist Filmmaking
"Amazingly heartwarming and affecting. The final act is especially powerful. I wish there was maybe a bit more here in terms of extras (like a commentary), but the movie is an all-time masterpiece and the restoration looks lovely, so I can't complain too much."
— Galen W. (5/5)
Obayashi
"Obayashi is a filmmaker I’ve been diving into so I was glad Kani put this out. Interesting work."
— Matt L. (4/5)
Another masterwork from Nobuhiko Obayashi
"A heartfelt film about a greengrocer who helps Chinese exchange students in Tokyo. Based on real events. A semi documentary. A timeless masterwork from Nobuhiko Obayashi. Very highly recommended."
— Hansi L. (5/5)
Delightful film
"A wonderful movie from Obayashi, proving once again that he's not a one-trick Hausu pony"
— MR H. (5/5)
Warm, human slice-of-life drama
"A gentle film about friendship, culture, and community. Simple story, great performances, and a grounded everyday charm. Restoration looks natural and filmic."
— Thomas L. (4/5)
Beijing Watermelon
"It’s such an absolute gift to watch any Nobuhiko Obayashi movie for the first time. Each one feels like the most important movie I could ever watch, and this was no different."
— Liam K. (5/5)
Nostalgic protrayal
"Beijing Watermelon is a Chinese drama film directed by Wang Jixing. The movie tells the story of a group of young people who work at a watermelon stand in Beijing and explores themes of youth, friendship, and social change in 1980s China. It's somehow a nostalgic portrayal of life in Beijing during a time of great change. Great image transfer and it contains a very informative booklet. It includes an interview of 19 minutes."
— Jaume M. (5/5)
Value of Compassion
"Deeply moving by the end. It's wonderful to get to see more Obayashi films stateside."
— Andrew M. (4/5)
Q&A
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