Rinko Kikuchi Sets an Example of Strength for Japanese Women
April 20th, 2007 by dd
Rinko Kikuchi, who won an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of a sexually precocious schoolgirl in Babel, insists that Japanese actresses don’t have to look weak.
The 26-year-old, who was virtually unknown a year ago, said she grew up wondering why Japanese actresses rarely made it big overseas.
“But then, I’ve been told it’s because Japanese actresses look weak and diluted on celluloid — they’re often uncomfortable about coming on strong,” Kikuchi told the Japan Times. “I guess that’s true. After all, it’s part of our culture to value excessive modesty, right? But I’m more motivated.”
Kikuchi mastered sign language and bared all her body to play the role of Chieko in Babel, a deaf schoolgirl who is struggling to find an outlet for her sexual desire and cope with her mother’s suicide.
“I felt that if anyone could do this it was going to be me,” Kikuchi told the paper. “There’s just no other way to describe it. It had to be me.” [BrisbaneTimes]
Posted in Japan, Film, Rinko Kikuchi | 