In what seems to be a kind of homage to the Coen Brothers a Japanese office worker embarks upon the most improbable treasure hunt imaginable after watching the Coen's film Fargo. The first half of the film is set in Tokyo and the second half in Minnesota, the setting of Fargo. The film is beautifully shot and features a wonderful performance by Rinko Kikuchi in the title role, giving a thoroughly believable portrayal of alienation verging on madness. There are some excellent peripheral characters, the bored yet pompous company boss, the 'helpful' old lady, the deaf and dumb taxi driver and the nicest police officer in the world, desperate to understand a mad Japanese woman who speaks hardly any English. Weird, funny and tragic in equal measure this is a gem of a movie.

Based loosely (VERY loosely) on a true incident, "Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter" is a very good movie... but it isn't for everyone's taste, as some of the other user comments here indicate. Yes, it is both very slow and depressing, but I personally found it captivating. The character of Kumiko is fascinating, in part because it's clear that this woman has slowly had a mental breakdown, numbed by other things from a dead end job to not having a romantic partner in her life. Even when she receives some kindness from other people, she is unable to find even a little happiness. It's very sad, but I was willing to follow this woman to the end of the movie because I wanted to see how this utterly sympathetic character would end up. I admit the final scene is a little confusing, at least at first, but when you think about it for a while only one possible outcome for this woman is possible. Let me make clear again that this movie is not for everyone. If you are in a patient mood and don't mind seeing a relentlessly downbeat (but very well made) story, then I would recommend this movie to you.

Literally the worst movie I have ever seen.Although the particularly artsy might enjoy this bizarre departure from reality, this incredibly slow-moving tale of a lonely and mentally unstable Japanese woman isn't worth the price of admission, let alone the gas cost to get to the theater. The occasional chuckle does not make up for the remaining two hours of face-in-your-palm, head-banging self-loathing that follows for having paid for such a torturous experience. Based off an urban legend, it by no means follows the actual story, but rather follows a dull, lengthy journey that leaves you at the edge of your seat -- to get out of the theater and pray you forget about the experience as soon as you can.But you won't. Because it's that hauntingly bad.Unless you prefer artistic shots over actual substance, avoid at all costs.

Although the storyline is intriguing, the results on screen are not translated effectively as entertainment. Relentlessly downbeat, "Kumiko The Treasure Hunter", is beautifully photographed, but lacks momentum. The first half hour in Japan borders on depressing, with little relief from Kumiko's monotonous life. Once she lands in the frozen tundra of Minnesota things get more interesting because of the "fish out of water" possibilities. Kumiko's pursuit of a treasure that does not exist, reveals her tendency to lie, cheat, and steal toward the ghostly goal, thus making her a rather unsympathetic character. This is certainly minimalist entertainment that will require tremendous patience to eventually reach the underwhelming conclusion. - MERK