Yosuke (Yakusho) is an unemployed ex-salaryman, struggling to support his estranged wife and child. Following a tale of hidden treasure, he travels to a remote village where he meets Saeko (Shimizu, star of Imamuras Palme DOr winner, The Eel), who is gifted/cursed with a mysterious condition. The two begin a passionate affair, which may result in the discovery of the true treasure of the Red Bridge.
This intriguing tale, strikingly photographed, blends a truly romantic story with moments of humour and tenderness. It is, however, uneven in pace and, at almost two hours, plods along too soporifically at times. Not his best film, but Warm Water is a delightfully simple and enigmatic entry into the great Imamuras body of work.