Tony Takitani

Like Haruki Murakami? Yeah, yeah, get in line. And while you’re waiting, check out Tony Takitani – on SBS this Thursday, 6 November 2008, from 10:05 pm. Japanese with English subtitles.

Because of his Western name, Tony was shunned by other kids and spent a solitary childhood. Though gifted as an artist, his drawings lacked feeling, so as an adult, he carved a career as a technical illustrator. In middle age, the reclusive Tony falls for a pretty young woman, Eiko Konuma, who visits him one day on business. Eiko is like an angel in Tony’s daily existence, and for the first time in his life, he feels connected to the outside world. However, Eiko does have one (fatal) fault: she’s a clothing shopaholic.

This movie is actually far more melancholic than the blurb suggests. It’s not typical Murakami (although the lead might seem familiar), but it is based on one of his short stories. Enjoy it – but you will feel terrible at the end.