Hotel Hibiscus (Hoteru Haibisukasu)

New York premiere.

2002, 92 min., color, 35mm.  In Japanese with English subtitles.

Directed by Yuji Nakae. Written by Motoko Nakae and Yuji Nakae, based on manga by Miiko Nakasone. With Honami Kurashita, Kimiko Yo, Seijin Noborikawa, Tomi Taira, Masao Teruya, Nesmith, Natsuki Kameshima. Print courtesy of Open Sesame.

Based on Miiko Nakasone’s manga, director Yuji Nakae has created a jovial film set in the tropical islands of Okinawa that uses local dialect. Mieko lives with her parents, grandmother, a half-white sister and a half-black brother, all with different fathers. Her family operates a hotel and one day she brings home a young tourist who is stranded. This endearing story celebrates the rich culture and natural beauty of Okinawa.

Tickets: $10; Japan Society members, seniors & students $5.