Natsumi's Firefly (2016)

Three blessings

This is a sweet movie. Even though it takes place mostly during the daytime, I actually think this movie is well suited for a late night viewing. It's atmosphere is subdued and introspective.

Much of the movie is shot with long unwavering stillness. This allows the movie to be told solely through body language. Much of the time the characters are far out from the camera, so you have to rely on the subtle nature of the script and the actors. The scenery is simply magical. It's such a lovingly shot movie. It also felt as if the director was the only one there with them with his camera. I suppose that is to mimic the movies plot.

The plot itself is a little shallow. In fact it's actually a little hard to understand without taking in the visual cues of the actors. You can ascertain many things when you pay attention to the little nuances in the script. Arimura once again delivers a well acted movie. You can tell so much through just her gazes. The plot really clicks together when you realize the reasoning for why her and Shingo are rocky. The initial setup with her leaving Shingo and trying to find herself seems abrupt but slowly you begin to understand her own turmoil within herself.

Shingo's actor doesn't really do a whole lot but it works with the work ethic of the character. A portrait of indecisiveness. And as usual Ken Mitsuishi and Kaori Kobayashi show off their acting chops. Ken plays a very good disabled person. I liked that they used Kaoru in contrast to show how different pathways affect someone. The mother was cute, acting was a little shaky in some parts. I adored the non chalantness of the children.

The overall narrative doesn't really go far but it's mostly a showcase for Arimura's emotions. We understand she's in pain without her having to say anything. The story revolves around rebuilding and learning to live with your choices. At least that's what it felt like to me. Every character was marked by some sort of small tragedy that seemed to haunt them.

There's a few touching scenes having to do with the realization of other people's choices affects on the someone. Particularly the scene where Keizo reacquaints himself with his son. And also when Arimura finally finds her fireflies.

The music is the movie is soft and melodic. Nothing too much to mention. I will say though I appreciate the songs they used in both the opening and ending.

I think you have to be in the right mood to watch this movie. Hence why suggest watching it on the dead of night. It seems like it's trying to get across so many things but it's also aloof in how it wants you to get there. I think that's the movie's strongest point. It's up to interpretation. Family, life, career and love has always been like that.

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