Su-ki-da (2005)

This is a movie of quiet beauty. Of the awkwardness that keeps you from saying or doing things. Of the awkwardness that comes after you do do something, and then question whether it was the right thing or not.

The strength and charm of this movie is the actors' ability to say so much with so little. Both the younger and older actors did an amazing job.

Make sure you are ready for a slow-paced movie when you watch this. It will repay your patience several-fold.

There are only a few pieces of music in this, mostly variations on a theme, going from hesitant to lush.

Given that I just watched this, I'm not sure if I'll rewatch it soon. I adored it, so maybe in a few years.

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Some, if not most, Japanese movies have a slow paced, less dialogue format and gives more emphasis on the environment or the realistic emotion building that occurs. This movie in particular was so slow paced but very, very, very thrilling. I couldn't anticipate the next move that each character would do. It keeps you guessing. The movie made me wonder a lot. I felt both the characters' frustration, melancholy, confusion, and awkwardness. But above all the silence - the nonverbal messages were very realistic, something I could relate to. A lesson I learned was DON'T WAIT for things to happen thinking that you have the time in the World to say or do it. If you need to say it then say it because the brutal truth is that you may not be given the time to do or say them personally anymore. So don't take time for granted. Every second is precious, every moment is a treasure. If you truly love someone, then just say it or express it. Don't give yourself an excuse to regret or to ask "What if?"

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