| Daiojo (Dying a Peaceful Death) (1999) |
 |
 |
 |
| Synopsis: The old people in a nursing home called Tenjinso, enjoy themselves playing "Funeral" for themselves; it seems that it is their only entertainment. They are also interested in finding a special medecine called DEM30, which is rumoured to be very effective in stopping senile dementia. One day the old people at Tenjinso hear the infomation that a wealthy man in Akita prefecture has succeeded in getting this medicine, which is to be available to those admitted to membership of the club at a price of half a million yen. On hearing this, some of the old people start trying to get the medicine for one of their friends who is dying of very serious dementia... ____________________________________ |
| "Daiojo" is based on a novel by Rokusuke Ei. The director & playwright is Hiroshi Fujita, who co-starred with Koji Yakusho in "Shabu Gokudo" (1996). The actors and actresses in this film are all young people in Fujita's dramatic company.. Running time is 105 mins. |
| Koji Yakusho's role in this film is that of an undertaker,called Ikebe. Shortly after the film begins, we hear his pleasant deep voice. He announces that the funeral for one of the Tenjinso old people will soon start. The funeral is held in a very serious atmosphere and the funeral procession goes on in a very dignified way, led by Ikebe with the dead man's photo in his arms. If we did not know the story, we would believe that this is a real funeral: Yakusho's action and looks are so dignified and grave. In the scene at the seashore where the coffin is going to be shoved away, Yakusho's face suddenly changes into that of a kind and friendly country man, which of course gives viewers a sense of relief. His appearance in this film is only at this funeral scene. |
 |
 |
 |