‘Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter’ Trailer: ‘Fargo’ Gets Lost in Translation

One of the best films from this year’s SXSW film festival is undoubtedly ‘Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter,’ in which ‘Pacific Rim’ star Rinko Kikuchi plays a young woman from Tokyo who believes that the Coen brothers film ‘Fargo’ is actually a true story. The first official teaser trailer for ‘Kumiko’ has arrived online today, just as haunting and beautiful as the film itself.

Kikuchi stars as the titular Kumiko, a lonely, regressive woman who lives alone in a Tokyo apartment with her pet rabbit Bunzo to keep her company. Under pressures from both work and her mother in a society still beholden to outdated traditions and gender stereotypes, Kumiko forms an attachment to the film ‘Fargo,’ discovering a treasure map which will lead her to the money Steve Buscemi’s character buried in the snow in the classic Coen brothers film. Kumiko sets out to America to find her treasure, taking us with her on her poignant and troubled journey.

‘Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter’ comes from native Austin filmmakers David and Nathan Zellner, and—though you might find it hard to believe—is actually based on a true story about a Tokyo woman named Takako Konishi. I don’t advise you to read up on Takako if you want to remain unspoiled on the ending of ‘Kumiko,’ but her story is just as compelling as the film she inspired.

I reviewed ‘Kumiko’ out of SXSW this year, where it made quite an impression on critics and cinephiles alike. Mark your calendars for what will surely be one of the greatest films of 2015: ‘Kumiko’ is officially hitting theaters in New York on March 13, and Los Angeles on March 20, 2015. We’ll keep you posted on further release details.