To the Ends of the Earth 2020
Directed by
Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Made by
Kimstim Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of To the Ends of the Earth (2020). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Yoko, portrayed by the talented Atsuko Maeda, is an ambitious reporter working for a television travel show, embarking on a journey to Uzbekistan with her production team to create an exciting episode. With aspirations of becoming a singer, she presents a contrasting image of her vibrant on-screen personality and her deeper internal struggles when the cameras stop rolling.
The film unfolds through a collection of vivid episodes, showcasing Yoko as she steps into a serene lake, hoping to uncover the secrets of a potentially legendary Uzbeki fish. She enthusiastically raves about the delightful crunch of slightly under-cooked rice in a local dish called plov, and amusingly endures dizzying spins on a fun-park pendulum ride just to capture the perfect reaction for her viewers. One of her earnest attempts leads her to try to free a confined goat named Okoo, only to discover the harsh reality that the goat would face danger from wild dogs if liberated.
As Yoko and her crew explore iconic locations like Samarkand and Tashkent, a magical moment arises at the Navoi Theatre, where she performs an enchanting rendition of Édith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” (with Japanese lyrics) in a fantasy sequence set against the backdrop of the theatre built by Japanese POWs post-war. During their venture at a bustling bazaar, Yoko’s curiosity leads her into a restricted area with a handheld camera, igniting a chaotic chase by the police. Thankfully, they treat her with kindness upon her capture, especially as she grapples with distressing news about her boyfriend, a firefighter who might have been caught in a catastrophic oil refinery blaze in Tokyo Bay. Despite his absence in the film, audiences learn about him through heartfelt text exchanges with Yoko.
In an emotionally charged finale set in the majestic mountains, Yoko and her crew chase the elusive creature once more. It is here that she once again sings “Hymne à l’amour”, allowing herself to dream of glimpsing Okoo running freely in the distance, symbolizing her hopes and longings as she navigates through her adventures.
Timeline
Track the key events of To the Ends of the Earth (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Yoko's Journey Begins
Yoko, an ambitious reporter, embarks on a journey to Uzbekistan with her production team. Her goal is to create an exciting episode for the television travel show she works for, setting the stage for her adventurous exploration.
The Serene Lake
Upon arriving, Yoko visits a serene lake, where she hopes to uncover the secrets of a legendary fish rumored to inhabit its waters. This moment reflects her relentless pursuit of uncovering unique stories for her audience.
Delighting in Plov
Yoko raves about the delightful taste of slightly under-cooked rice in the traditional dish called plov. This highlights her enthusiasm for Uzbek culture and cuisine, showcasing her on-screen vibrant personality.
Amusement Park Adventure
In a bid to capture the perfect viewer reaction, Yoko endures dizzying spins on a fun-park pendulum ride. Her determination to entertain her audience shines through in this amusing episode of her travels.
The Goat Rescue Attempt
Yoko attempts to free a confined goat named Okoo, driven by her compassion. However, she soon realizes the harsh reality that Okoo would face danger from wild dogs if set free, highlighting the difficult choices one must make.
Exploring Samarkand
As Yoko and her crew explore the iconic city of Samarkand, they immerse themselves in its rich history and vibrant culture. This journey offers audiences a glimpse into the beauty and traditions of Uzbekistan.
A Magical Moment at Navoi Theatre
Yoko performs Édith Piaf's 'Hymne à l'amour' with Japanese lyrics at the Navoi Theatre, creating a magical fantasy sequence. This enchanting moment showcases her hidden talent and emotional depth, resonating with audiences.
The Bazaar Incident
Curiosity leads Yoko into a restricted area of a bustling bazaar, where she inadvertently ignites a chaotic police chase. The experience serves as a humorous yet poignant reminder of cultural boundaries.
A Distressing Text
During her adventure, Yoko receives distressing news about her boyfriend, a firefighter potentially caught in an oil refinery blaze in Tokyo Bay. Heartfelt text exchanges illuminate their relationship, adding emotional weight to her journey.
Chasing Dreams in the Mountains
In the majestic mountains, Yoko and her crew chase the elusive creature one last time. This setting becomes a metaphor for her aspirations and desires, as she grapples with her internal struggles and hopes.
Final Song of Longing
At the climax of her adventure, Yoko sings 'Hymne à l'amour' once more, this time allowing her dreams to surface. She envisions Okoo running freely in the distance, symbolizing the essence of her hopes and longings.
Reflections on Identity
Throughout her journey, Yoko grapples with her vibrant on-screen persona versus her internal struggles. This juxtaposition adds layers to her character, inviting viewers to reflect on their identities and aspirations.
Creating Lasting Memories
As Yoko and her crew wrap up their travels, they create lasting memories captured on film. This bittersweet moment emphasizes the importance of the journeys we take and the stories we share.
The Journey Comes to a Close
With her episode complete, Yoko reflects on the transformative experiences she encountered throughout her journey. The journey of self-discovery intertwined with cultural exploration leaves a lasting impact on her.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring To the Ends of the Earth (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Yoko (Atsuko Maeda)
Yoko is an ambitious and vibrant reporter whose inner struggles are contrasted with her lively on-screen persona. She is passionate about her work, but behind her enthusiasm lies a longing for connection and fulfillment in her personal life. Her journey in Uzbekistan reveals her determination, empathy, and an unwavering spirit as she chases both career and personal dreams.
Temur (Adiz Rajabov)
Temur is a key member of Yoko's production team, helping her navigate the sights and sounds of Uzbekistan. Though his character is not deeply explored, he plays a supportive role in capturing the essence of their journey. His presence adds to the collaboration and camaraderie within the team.
Setting
Uncover the settings of To the Ends of the Earth (2020), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film appears to take place in contemporary times, reflecting modern-day Uzbekistan while exploring themes of personal aspirations and cultural experiences. Yoko's journey through iconic sites and her interactions with locals are framed within a backdrop of current societal contexts.
Location
Uzbekistan, Samarkand, Tashkent, Navoi Theatre
Uzbekistan is a Central Asian country known for its rich history along the Silk Road, featuring stunning architecture and vibrant bazaars. Samarkand and Tashkent are two of its most iconic cities, showcasing a blend of ancient and modern influences. The Navoi Theatre, where Yoko performs, is notable for its unique history, having been built by Japanese POWs after World War II, adding to the cultural tapestry of the region.
Themes
Explore the core themes of To the Ends of the Earth (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Ambition
Yoko's ambition drives her to pursue a career as a singer while also exploring her identity as a reporter. Her vibrant personality contrasts with her deeper internal struggles, highlighting the tension between public persona and private turmoil. The theme of ambition is reflected in her determination to succeed in both realms, leading to moments of joy and despair.
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Freedom
The theme of freedom is poignantly illustrated through Yoko's attempts to liberate the goat, Okoo. This symbolizes her yearning for freedom, not just for others but also for herself. The emotional journey towards this theme culminates in her imaginary moments, where she envisions Okoo running free, representing her own dreams and longing for liberation from personal constraints.
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Longing
Throughout the film, Yoko grapples with feelings of longing, especially for her absent boyfriend, a firefighter in danger. The heartfelt text exchanges between them reveal her emotional struggle and desire for connection amidst her adventurous journey. This theme resonates through her experiences, as she navigates joy and sadness intertwined.
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