Rebirth (2012)

COMING SOON: Izuru Narushima's Rebirth (Japan, 2012) - Based on a novel by Mitsuyo Kakuta, "Rebirth" is a long, complex, highly nuanced meller that plays like an aestheticized, post-feminist "Stella Dallas." Constantly flashing back and forth between past and present, this visually expressive, continually surprising psychological study follows the fortunes of three individuals deeply affected by a serious crime: the woman whose 4-year-old daughter is returned after having been stolen as an infant; the baby-snatcher, who has motivations of her own; and the child herself. Winner of 11 Japan Academy prizes including best picture, director Izuru Narushima's film could kindle wider fest and arthouse interest.