1.   Drawing on extensive historical research, Kayo Hatta wrote and directed this dramatization of the typically hard life of a picture bride.

2.   Hatta grew up in Hawaii, a granddaughter of immigrants who were not picture brides, and learned the history of this exploitative practice as a child.

3.   Mrs. Kikugawa was one picture bride who shared her story.

4.   When she began researching the film, Ms. Hatta said, she was also fortunate to talk with several women who had come over as picture brides.

5.   Whoever said Hawaii was paradise must never have met a Japanese picture bride.