Poppoya - Railroad Man
Dir: Furuhata Yasuo
Japan, 1999, Japanese, 112mins, DCP
Cast: Takakura Ken, Otake Shinobu, Hirosue Ryoko
Devoting his life in service to the railway in a small town in the deepest snow country, an ageing station master will soon retire. Strange encounters with three girls force him to re-examine his past, reliving old regrets, and assessing a life taking his duties seriously at the expense of his family. Dignified by Takakura Ken’s restrained yet profound performance as a tough guy with a battered heart, Furuhata Yasuo’s affecting drama is an elegy to the memories of a bygone era and the admirable trait of unswerving dedication to duty, yet also a reminder to embrace what is important in life.
Kinema Junpo Awards: Best Film and Best Actor
Japanese Academy Awards: 9 awards including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress
