BASHING (2005)
Japan 82 minutes
Written and Directed by Masahiro Kovayashi
Cast: Fusako Urabe, Ryuzo Tanaka, Takayuki Hato
With an initial disclaimer that the film is fiction “loosely based on real events,” Kobayashi plunges into the desolate daily existence of Yuko, an aid worker whose recent kidnapping and release in the Middle East has made her the town pariah once back at home. As the narrative begins, the situation has reached a tipping point and, in quick succession, Yuko is shunned by coworkers, fired from her job, harassed by strangers and dumped by her boyfriend. The message to Yuko, finally stated in blunt terms by a taunting voice on her answering machine is thus: “If you”d been killed, you would have been a heroine. Now you are nothing but an embarrassment to us all.” [SFiFF Program Guide]
A few weeks ago, Brad (Kelly’s brother, the restaurateur) emailed me and suggested we go over to Augusta for one or two practice rounds. I had always been under the impression that even practice tickets were allocated,that’s turns out to be true, but despite the lottery distribution, there are plenty being sold on the streets into the course. Who knew? Brad did, and he convinced me that it was a given that we would have no problem buying them (shades of my boast for the 1986 Super Bowl in Pasadena, Marcus?). He said they”d go for $100 each, but if I was OK with that, we”d plan to go. We cleared our respective calendars for the target days. 
Carol gave me this dog comb thing for Christmas. She said it was supposed to massage my dog, and pamper him while I freed my home of wandering dog hair. It seems to work! Thank you Carol. love Corky
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