Memory & Desire

Memory & Desire
U.S. distribution DVD cover
Directed byNiki Caro
Screenplay byNiki Caro
Based on"Of Memory and Desire"
by Peter Wells
Produced byOwen Hughes
Starring
  • Yuri Kinugawa
  • Eugene Nomura
CinematographyDion Beebe
Edited byMargot Francis
Music byPeter Scholes
Production
company
Frame Up Films
Distributed byFootprint Films
Release date
  • 24 June 1998 (1998-06-24)
Running time
89 minutes
CountryNew Zealand
Languages
  • English
  • Japanese

Memory & Desire is a 1998 New Zealand romantic drama film written and directed by Niki Caro,[1] in her feature film directorial debut. The film is based on the 1997 short story "Of Memory and Desire" by Peter Wells.[2][3]

Plot

Sayo and Keiji are a Japanese couple who elope to New Zealand to get married. On their honeymoon, frustrated by being unable to consummate their marriage, Keiji fatally drowns in a swimming accident. Heartbroken after losing her husband, Sayo contemplates traveling back to Japan to once again live with her domineering mother, per Japanese tradition. Instead, she stays in New Zealand on the beach where Keiji drowned to find peace.

Cast

Production

The film was shot in New Zealand, at Studio West in West Auckland.[4]

Awards and nominations

Group Category Recipient Result
1998 Cannes Film Festival Caméra d'Or Niki Caro Nominated
1998 Stockholm International Film Festival Bronze Horse Niki Caro Nominated
1998 Stockholm International Film Festival Best actress Yuri Kinugawa Won
1999 New Zealand Film and TV Awards Best Film Owen Hughes Won
Best Foreign Performer Yuri Kinugawa Won
Best Design Grant Major Won
Special Jury Prize Niki Caro Won

References

  1. ^ "Memory & Desire - Film". Park Circus. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  2. ^ Elley, Derek (20 May 1998). "Memory & Desire". Variety. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  3. ^ "Memory and Desire". NZ on Screen. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  4. ^ "Our Story". Studio West. Retrieved 29 April 2023.