Rebirth (2011 Film)

Rebirth, known in Japan as Youkame no Semi (The Eighth Day), is a 2011 Japanese drama film directed by Izuru Narushima. The screenplay, written by Satoko Okudera, is based on the 2007 novel of the same name by Mitsuyo Kakuta. The film explores themes of motherhood, identity, and the long-term psychological impact of a childhood abduction.

Promotional poster for the film Rebirth (2011).

Plot

The narrative follows Kiwako Nonomiya (Hiromi Nagasaku), a woman who abducts an infant from a man with whom she had an affair. Kiwako raises the child, Erina, as her own for four years before being apprehended by authorities. Following her arrest, the child is returned to her biological parents. As an adult, Erina (Mao Inoue) struggles with the trauma of her past. When she finds herself in a situation mirroring her own history—involved with a married man and pregnant—she travels to Shodoshima, the island where she lived with Kiwako, to confront her memories and uncover the truth of her upbringing.

Cast

The film features a prominent ensemble cast, including:

Mao Inoue as Erina Akiyama
Hiromi Nagasaku as Kiwako Nonomiya
Eiko Koike as Chigusa Ando
Yoko Moriguchi as Etsuko Akiyama
Tetsushi Tanaka as Takehiro Akiyama
Miwako Ichikawa as Kumi Sawada
Mitsuru Hirata as Yuzo Sawada
Hitori Gekidan as Takashi Kishida
Kimiko Yo as Angel
Min Tanaka as Taki
Jun Fubuki as Masae Sawada

Mao Inoue, who portrays the adult Erina Akiyama.

Hiromi Nagasaku, who portrays Kiwako Nonomiya.

Reception and Awards

Rebirth received significant critical acclaim and numerous accolades within the Japanese film industry. At the 35th Japan Academy Prize, the film won several major awards, including Picture of the Year and Director of the Year. Hiromi Nagasaku was recognized for her performance with the Best Supporting Actress award at the 66th Mainichi Film Awards and the Best Actress award at the 54th Blue Ribbon Awards.

Production

The film was produced by Shochiku and released in Japan on April 29, 2011. It has a runtime of 147 minutes. The story was previously adapted for television by NHK in 2010.