One of the most acclaimed figures in modern Japanese cinema, Naomi Kawase follows her 2014 film Still the Water with Sweet Bean [An], a touching small-town drama of culinary redemption that opened the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. Struggling dorayaki street vendor Sentaro meets Tokue (Kirin Kiki), an elderly woman with a mysterious past and an extraordinary gift for making "an"—the sweet red bean paste at the heart of his pastries. Her arrival transforms his business and sparks a profound, life-changing connection that transcends generations and societal margins. With quiet grace and emotional depth, Kawase explores themes of isolation, dignity, and the beauty found in everyday moments.

Release Information:

• Original Release Year: 2015
• Studio/Distributor: The Masters of Cinema Series

Feature Presentation:

• Genre: Drama
• Audio: Japanese (Dolby Digital 2.0), Japanese (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Subtitles: Optional English subtitles

Special Features:

• High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
• A new, exclusive video interview with Naomi Kawase
• Theatrical trailer
• 32-page booklet featuring a new essay by critic Philip Kemp, an interview and statement from Kawase, and production images

Technical Specifications:

• Format: Blu-ray
• Region: FREE
• Video Quality: 1080p Full HD

Cast & Crew:

• Director: Naomi Kawase
• Main Cast: Kirin Kiki, Masatoshi Nagase

Reviews:

• "A magical and beautiful film about what it means to be Japanese in the modern era" - The Sunday Morning Herald
• "An ode to the simple joys in life" - The Hollywood Reporter
• "The movie, beautifully shot and acted, earns its ultimate sense of hope by confronting real heartbreak head-on, and with compassion" - New York Times

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