Film Review: Karakara – A Film By Claude Gagnon

Karakara: An onomatopoeic Japanese word meaning rattle!

Pierre a 61 year old retired professor from Montreal played by Gabriel Arcand attends a Qigong retreat in Okinawa intending to make a solitary exploration of Okinawa and its islands after the retreat is over. He has reached a point in his life where the recent death of his best friend and his own advancing years have triggered an existential crisis.

By chance Pierre connects with Junko an English speaking downtrodden abused housewife played by Youki Kudoh and her friend Akemi played by

Quebec Cinema Showcase Featuring “Karakara” Starring Youki Kudoh

Venue: Institut Français 17 Queensberry Place London SW7 2DT

Date: 2-4 November 2012

Cinema from Québec is currently enjoying the international spotlight with two films – Incendies and Monsieur Lazhar – shortlisted for best foreign language Oscars in the past two years, as well as a BAFTA nomination for Incendies. Québécois director, Jean-Marc Vallée’s Café de Flore starring Vanessa Paradis, has also garnered