The latest film from Kiyoshi Kurosawa the hugely acclaimed Japanese director famous for his groundbreaking, existential horror films such as Cure and Kairo (Pulse) set Cannes alight this year with a surprising change of pace to, that staple of Japanese cinema, the family drama. When Ryuhei Sasaki (played by Teruyuki Kagawa) is unceremoniously dumped from his safe company job, his family's happy, humdrum life is put at risk. Unwilling to accept the shame of unemployment, the loyal salaryman decides not to tell anyone, instead leaving home each morning in suit and tie with briefcase, spending his days searching for work and lining up for soup with the homeless.

Outstanding performances; serene, elegant direction; and Kurosawa's trademark chills are evident as he ratchets up the unsettling atmosphere and the grim hopelessness of Sasaki's unemployment. In today s economically uncertain times, this highly topical film an eerie, poignant reflection on the mass uncertainty sweeping the world is widely regarded as Kurosawa s finest achievement and was the only Japanese film to receive an award at the Cannes Film Festival 2008 (Jury Prize winner of Un Certain Regard).

Tōkyō Sonata will be released on DVD and Blu-ray by Eureka! as part of the Masters of Cinema series on 22nd June 2009 at the RRP of £19.99 (DVD) and £22.99 (Blu-ray). Featuring a luminous HD transfer of the film in its original aspect ratio with newly translated English subtitles. Extras are:

• Making-of documentary (60 mins);
• Japanese press junkets, cast and crew interviews, award ceremonies (39 mins);
• Original UK theatrical trailer;
• 28 page booklet containing a brand new essay by B. Kite.

You can read our review of the cinema release here.