Japanese Story

Japanese Story is a 2003 Australian romantic drama film directed by Sue Brooks. It was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival.

Plot

Sandy Edwards (played by Toni Collette) is a director in a company that designs geological software in Perth, Western Australia. Her business partner manipulates her into agreeing to act as a guide for a Japanese businessman visiting mines in the Pilbara desert, in hopes that he will purchase the software. When Hiromitsu Tachibana (Gotaro Tsunashima) arrives, he treats Sandy like a chauffeur, and he seems more intent on self-discovery in the wilderness than on buying computer software. At first, Sandy is angered by his reserved, demanding demeanor. On their first journey into the desert, Hiromitsu, feeling insecure, talks more on his phone with friends in Japan than he does to Sandy. He also insists that she drive farther than planned. The terrain proves too much for the pair's vehicle, which becomes bogged down in the sand. After a series of desperate attempts to release the vehicle, including digging a dead man anchor, their winch burns out. Sandy wants to use Hiromitsu's phone to call people who can rescue them, but Hiromitsu refuses. This forces them to spend the night stranded together. The next day, Hiromitsu, conscious that his refusal had placed them in danger, wakes up much earlier than Sandy and builds a track of sticks over which they can drive out of the sand. The maneuver is successful. Now that they are on the road again, the ice breaks and a friendship starts between them that, in isolated surroundings uninterrupted by their work, grows quickly and honestly. Later, at a motel, they have sex. Only after does Sandy learn that Hiromitsu has a wife and children in Japan.

Sean McAllister

Sean Brian McAllister (born 15 August 1987) is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for League One side Scunthorpe United.

Primarily as a central midfielder, he has good vision and passing ability. He began his professional career at Sheffield Wednesday in 2006, and had spells on loan at Mansfield Town and Bury, before establishing himself in the "Owls" first team in the 2008–09 season. He was allowed to join Shrewsbury Town in July 2010, and helped the "Shrews" to win promotion out of League Two in 2011–12. He joined Port Vale on a short-term contract in November 2012, and then signed with Cowdenbeath in March 2013, before joining Scunthorpe United four months later. He helped Scunthorpe to win promotion out of League Two in 2013–14.

Playing career

Early life

McAllister, born in Bolton, started playing at Deans Sports in Swinton before going on a successful trial at Manchester United at the age of nine. He spent three years as a schoolboy at Old Trafford before joining Bolton Wanderers, where he stayed for four years.