Close-Knit

This family drama won the hearts of audiences at the 2017 Berlinale. It tells the story of 11-year old Tomo, who has become used to taking care of herself; her irresponsible single mother arrives home drunk each night, dirty dishes keep piling up in the sink, and what little food they have in their fridge is passed its expiry date. One day her mother disappears. Left with no alternative, Tomo turns to Makio, her charming uncle, who takes her in. Upon first meeting Rinko, her uncle’s partner, Tomo is surprised to discover that Rinko is transgender, who longs for children of her own. Rinko does everything in her power for Tomo to feel at home, preparing special meals for her, and even teaching her to knit. The two develop a moving mother-daughter relationship, and for the first time in her life Tomo has a true sense of home. The ideal is threatened when conservative Japanese society begins to interfere with the newly-formed household.
Director Naoko Ogigami presents a warm and loving film, reserved yet moving, with a selection of Japanese dishes and a few tips on the art of knitting. Viewers willing to follow to the slow, Japanese pace of this movie are in for an exciting experience and will find it impossible not to fall in love with the protagonists.