54-year-old Japanese actor Hidetoshi Nishijima and Taiwanese actress Gui Lunmei starred together for the first time in the new film "Dear Stranger" directed by Japanese director Mariko Tetsuya.Dear Stranger, tentative translation), the entire film was shot in New York, USA. It depicts an Asian couple's suspenseful story of humanity's collapse as they uncover family secrets due to their son's kidnapping. It is expected to be officially released in Japan in September this year.
"Dear Stranger" was jointly produced by Japan, Taiwan and the United States. Director Mariko Tetsuya won the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Director for "It's a Raid on Women" and was a visiting researcher at Harvard University. This new work focuses on transnational marriages and cultural differences. The plot is set in New York, traveling through Brooklyn, Harlem, Chinatown and other places, deeply exploring urban loneliness, racial barriers and unspeakable secrets between couples.
Nishijima Hidetoshi challenged himself to speak nearly 90% English lines this time. He said in an interview recently, "It is inevitable to be nervous, but Gui Lunmei's natural and sincere performance allowed me to immerse myself in it with peace of mind. In addition, the professionalism of the entire filming team allowed me to fully immerse myself in the role in a good atmosphere." He also emphasized, "This is a work that describes the sudden collapse of daily life and attempts to rebuild life. Director Mariko's unique worldview is worth savoring."
Gui Lunmei said that when she first read the script, she was moved by its philosophy and emotional depth. She said: "Although he may seem calm on the surface, he actually hides the unexpressed emotions in human nature. Being able to work with the professional and gentle Nishijima Hidetoshi is an unforgettable step in my acting career."
The film tells the story of Kenji (Hidetoshi Nishijima), a Japanese man, and his Taiwanese-American wife Jane (Kwei Lun-mei) living together in New York. Under the pressure of work, parenting and family responsibilities, their originally fragile relationship is further torn apart by the kidnapping of their child and the subsequent murder, forcing the two to face the truths and conflicts that have been hidden from each other for a long time.
