Review by gloria wong

The latest from veteran Japanese filmmaker Nagasaki Shunichi, an adaptation of a popular novel by Nashiki Kaho, tells the story of Mai, a young girl who refuses to go to school. Distressed but sympathetic, Mai's mother sends her to stay with grandmother's house until she feels better about school. Grandma (Sachi Parker) calls herself "The Witch of the West" (she's originally from England) and immediately begins teaching Mai about the small wonders of farm living in her idyllic country house.

On the surface, there isn't anything terribly wrong with The Witch of the West Is Dead. Unfortunately, it's just not very engaging or original. Mai is a bit bratty but predictably opens up to her saintly grandmother. There is an inevitable argument and even more predictable resolution. It's really too bad. A film about witches and the small moments that make family members love each other should sparkle; instead, The Witch of the West Is Dead feels really dull.

The Witch of the West Is Dead
Nagasaki Shunichi | Japan | 2007 | 115min

Sun. Sept. 28 | 6:20pm | Empire Granville Theatre 4
Thur. Oct. 2 | 2:30pm | Empire Granville Theatre 3