Beijing Watermelon
Beijing Watermelon is a 1989 Japanese slice of life film directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi. Based partly on true events, the film follows the relationship between a Japanese greengrocer and a group of Chinese exchange students. The film is noted for the proximity of its production and release to the Tiananmen Square massacre, which forced the cancellation of plans to shoot the Beijing-set portions of the film on-location.
Plot summary
In Funabashi, greengrocer Shunzo offers a discount on produce to a Chinese exchange student who cannot afford to purchase vegetables. The act begins a paternal-like relationship between Shunzo and a rotating group of Chinese exchange students living in the city, in which he supports them through actions such as giving them discounted or free groceries, helping them find housing, and transporting them to and from the airport.Shunzo's generosity, which often comes at the expense of his ability to provide for his own actual family, is alternately supported by and a source of tension between Shunzo and his wife Michi. Years later, Shunzo and Michi are invited to Beijing by the now-graduated students, who throw a banquet in their honor. There, Michi delivers a speech in which she tearfully thanks the students for allowing her husband to become a more giving and empathetic person.
Cast
- as Shunzo Horikoshi
- as Michi Horikoshi
- Tōru Minegishi as Dr. Muraki
- Takashi Sasano as Yamada
- Akira Emoto as Teramoto
- as Ioka
Production and release
Beijing Watermelon is directed and edited by Nobuhiko Obayashi with a screenplay by. The plot is partly based on true events, and was produced after Obayashi and his crew met the real-life grocer and students that the film is based on while shooting another film. Filmed from May to June 1989, the Tiananmen Square massacre occurred mid-production, forcing the cancellation of plans to shoot the Beijing-set portions of the film on-location.In 2021, a restoration of the film was undertaken by distributor Shochiku.