Island Closest To Heaven 11/25 Blu-ray (Rental)

Bookish teen Mari (Tomoyo Harada) ventures solo to a paradise-laden archipelago in search of the mythic locale, in this coming-of-age tale. Based on Katsura Morimura's 1966 best-selling travelogue, Obayashi's paradise-laden coming-of-age tale is an island retreat to the white sands of New Caledonia. Fulfilling her late father's (YMO's Yukihiro Takahashi) dream to take her to "the island closest to heaven," bookish teen Mari (Tomoyo Harada) ventures solo to the archipelago's indigo waters in search of this mythic locale. Taking in the island's sites, Mari journeys off the beaten path, befriending a host of friendly locals in the process, from islander Taro (Ryoichi Takayanagi) to footloose tour guide Yuichi. One of Obayashi's breeziest features, filled with a sense of old school Hollywood romanticism, The Island Closest to Heaven forms an affecting portrait of a young girl's journey to self-discovery and her own piece of heaven deep within. Bonus Materials 2K Transfer & Restoration Audio Commentary by film critic Derek Smith Kadokawa and Obayashi - Visual essay by Alex Pratt Tomoya Harada 28 Days in Caledonia: The Making of The Island Closest to Heaven Theatrical Trailers New improved English subtitles New Slipcase art design by Sam Smith Reversible sleeve with original Japanese poster art First Pressing includes repro 24-page Japanese booklet (pamphlet) Cast & Crew Actors: Tomoyo Harada Yukihiro Takahashi Ryoichi Takayanagi Toru Minegishi Miyoko Akaza Director: Nobuhiko Obayashi Press “The Island Closest To Heaven might be the purest idol-film Obayashi made.” - Psychocinematography “With “The Island Closest to Heaven”, Obayashi takes what could be presented as a run-of-the-mill coming-of-age tale and instead turns it into something quite special, the film is a beautiful tale about growing up. The director delivers a rich and reflective story about finding happiness along with yourself, rife with romanticism and set against the glorious backdrop of the Southwest Pacific. With a stirring lead performance and a touching, character-driven narrative, the film is a beautiful tale about growing up.” - Asianmoviepulse “Each of Obayashi’s films feel like gifts, but this has become one of my favorites.” - Letterboxd "There’s a gentle, low stakes quality to The Island Closest to Heaven that feels very much in tune with some of the anime films put out by Studio Ghibli.” - Derek Smith (Slant Magazine)