The Foreign Duck, the Native Duck and God in a Coin Locker (2007)

Loaded with absurdities and confusions, this film makes us wonder how much we really know about someone we believe is our friend. Random encounters immerse our protagonist in a sad and fascinating story. Quoting a character: "you have been dragged into a story that is not yours", and that intrusion is what makes the movie so captivating.

Story:
Full of Bob Dylan music and a deep love for animals, the story shows innocent and noble characters like Shiina and mysterious and extravagant ones like Kawasaki. While dealing with friendship, values, disease, and revenge.

Acting:
Gaku Hamada perfectly portrays that person who only tries to fit in, he is the impressionable provincial. Eita, on the other hand, represents very well the long range of expressions that his character demands.

Overall:
How valuable are the bonds we create? Who is lying? Who says the truth?
Coupled with a sharp criticism of racism by many Japanese towards foreigners living in Japan, this is a valuable and worthy film. Because ultimately, Shiina also feels like a stranger, even though in his own country.

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