JFF Online 2022

February 17, 2022

A riveting drama centered on motherhood. Miyazawa Rie and Sugisaki Hana's many accolades are deserved as they ultimately carry the film—mirroring and contrasting each other in ways that can only be described as feeling close to real. Finally got to watch this one after wanting to forever and it did not disappoint. (9.5/10)

February 19, 2022

A classic coming-of-age tale with a subtly powerful theme of rebirth. Komai Ren delivers a delightful performance as a shy teenager who slowly breaks out of her shell. I watched this on a quiet afternoon and it allowed me to settle into Ito's world, which is rich in the tradition of Aomori Prefecture. Definitely a movie that rewards you for making it to the end. (8.5/10)

February 19, 2022

A charming love letter to cinema. It's not just pouring out with adoration for films but also filmmaking in general. Yet as much as it delves into nostalgia, it's also got its eyes looking towards the future. Matsumoto Soushi proves time and time again why I find his work to be a breath of fresh air and this film is an instant classic in my book. (9/10)