Ushi Must Marry (2013)

Ushi Must Marry Poster

Ushi Hirosaki has to marry according to Japanese tradition before her 30th birthday. Because time is running out, her family decides she has to marry a huge sumo wrestler. A rather unfortunate combination, so Ushi wants to look for a nicer candidate herself. She travels halfway around the world to find her dream husband. Along the way she does valiant efforts, for example to learn table manners and to lose her Japanese accent.

Introduction
"Ushi Must Marry" is a 2013 Dutch movie focused around a Japanese press reporter named Ushi Hirosaki. The film is a comedy peppered with rom-com undertones and offers light-hearted home entertainment. Developed by Dutch presenter and star Wendy van Dijk, the movie is built upon the character Ushi Hirosaki that was created for her funny interview program, "Ushi & Van Dijk". Director Paul Ruven enhances the humor and cultural nuances present in the script in a way that resonates well with audiences.

Plot Synopsis
The movie begins with Ushi Hirosaki, a socially uncomfortable and shy television reporter, finding out that she needs to get married prior to her 30th birthday which is quickly approaching. This is due to a family custom set by her ancestors and it becomes her objective to find an appropriate husband within that timeframe.

Pushed by her household and societal standards, Ushi discovers herself taking a trip throughout different continents to discover an appropriate partner. Her quest is recorded and broadcasted by her tv network, including on to the social pressure and making a personal matter public.

Romantic Interest & Antagonist Introduction
Following some unsuccessful attempts at discovering her lifetime partner, Ushi is about to lose hope when she satisfies a well-known Hollywood film star, George, played by Patrick Dempsey. George is quickly charmed by Ushi's innocent and simple nature. Their budding romance, however, is hindered by George's supervisor who does not approve of his star client potentially marrying a 'no one' and attempts to separate the pair.

Comical Elements & Climax
As the film advances, Ushi enters numerous hilarious and cringe-inducing situations. These serve as the main comical element in the movie and supply relief from the ongoing drama.

Towards the film's climax, Ushi manages to travel to Hollywood under the guise of an interview in an attempt to fulfill George and confess her love. She inadvertently exposes George's supervisor's manipulative methods which result in a series of unanticipated occasions.

Conclusion
At the end, Ushi's honesty, simpleness and perseverance win over George's heart, and he accepts wed her. In spite of the differences in their personalities and backgrounds, their love brings them together. The motion picture concludes with their wedding, as Ushi turns 30, thus successfully breaking the household custom.

Overall Review
"Ushi Must Marry" is a light-hearted, comical film plentiful with cultural humor and dramatic moments. The movie uses plenty of laughs, heartwarming minutes and an interesting story. The character Ushi is a delight to watch, and her navigation through societal restraints and pressures in a quote to discover love acts as the psychological pull of the film. The motion picture does a terrific task of checking out the themes of societal expectations, cultural differences, and the universal mission for love.

Top Cast

  • Wendy van Dijk (small)
    Wendy van Dijk
    Ushi Hirosaki
  • Hiromi Tojo (small)
    Hiromi Tojo
    Himself - Ushi's Assistant
  • Mark Sagato
    Sumo
  • Patrick Dempsey (small)
    Patrick Dempsey
    Himself
  • Chris Noth (small)
    Chris Noth
    Himself
  • Uri Geller (small)
    Uri Geller
    Himself
  • Hans Klok (small)
    Hans Klok
    Himself
  • Rie Iikura
    Ushi's Mother
  • Steve Goh
    Sumo's Father
  • Rachel Federoff
    Love Consultant
  • Destin Pfaff
    Love Consultant