A dark, cold, sad and gripping story about obsession, greed, revenge and a love tragedy. Even though sometimes the pacing is slow and the use of two different fragmented timelines can be confusing, the atmospheric cinematography and the impressive musical score, that compliment each other beautifully, made this film an intriguing experience, almost like reading the book from which it was adapted.
A film about a yakuza's family rise and fall, which is not only yakuza action-packed. A powerful, violent, as well as melancholic and emotional story about yakuza's life behind the glamorized front and their family-like bonding, with a wonderful performance from Ayano Go. Pleasantly surprised!
A story about the power of education, morality, imperialism resistance and patriotism, based on true events from resistance fighter Kim Chang Soo's life.
A slow-paced, very realistic, raw approach of eating disorders, compulsive behaviours, depression and mental illnesses. With no easy answers or explanations -but only some subtle hints about the inner struggles, the isolation, the pressures the teenage protagonist faces and the effects they have on her, her family and friends- this film explores what it is like to suffer from an eating disorder and how the triggering conditions and consequences often go unnoticed or hidden.
A heartwarming story wonderfully depicting that, regardless of our background (social, economic, educational) and physical or mental ability, we are all still human and we can dream and make our dreams come true. And that -although there might be some hindrances, misfortunes and health issue, as well as gaps in language, culture, gender, age or social status- we can still form a strong, lifelong connection with someone.
"You cannot choose not to sit on a wheelchair, but you can choose how to sit on it."
Confronting our past, our memories and feelings, that are tightly connected with people and objects of our lives, is never an easy job. It takes a lot of courage (and perhaps time) to decide what we need to let go, what is really important, and successfully move on with our lives. But can we really let go of the things that are parts of us and makes us who we are, though?
Calm, bittersweet and girly road movie about an odd, emotionally suppressed young woman - who balances between her denial to embrace her adulthood and her hesitation to allow forgotten childhood memories affect her - and her return to her dysfunctional family and home village with the help of her zany, supportive friend. Excellent acting from both leads, and especially Shim Eun Kyung: despite not being Japanese she was so natural and convincing.
“I try to make the best of every day — but what does that even mean anyway?”
Raw, intense, gripping, thought-provoking and psychologically triggering in so many levels, but very captivating. Solid, condensed writing and directing, outstanding acting and impactful music gave a memorable watching experience.
A minimal, reserved, but very emotional and engaging study on memory, longing and loss, where every frame is a perfect picture, enhanced by superb natural lighting and subtle directing. What a great, captivating debut for auteur Koreeda Hirokazu!
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Even though sometimes the pacing is slow and the use of two different fragmented timelines can be confusing, the atmospheric cinematography and the impressive musical score, that compliment each other beautifully, made this film an intriguing experience, almost like reading the book from which it was adapted.
A powerful, violent, as well as melancholic and emotional story about yakuza's life behind the glamorized front and their family-like bonding, with a wonderful performance from Ayano Go.
Pleasantly surprised!
With no easy answers or explanations -but only some subtle hints about the inner struggles, the isolation, the pressures the teenage protagonist faces and the effects they have on her, her family and friends- this film explores what it is like to suffer from an eating disorder and how the triggering conditions and consequences often go unnoticed or hidden.
Not just sad, but utterly heartbreaking and infuriating.
And that -although there might be some hindrances, misfortunes and health issue, as well as gaps in language, culture, gender, age or social status- we can still form a strong, lifelong connection with someone.
"You cannot choose not to sit on a wheelchair, but you can choose how to sit on it."
It takes a lot of courage (and perhaps time) to decide what we need to let go, what is really important, and successfully move on with our lives.
But can we really let go of the things that are parts of us and makes us who we are, though?
A story beautifully told, shot and acted.
It's been so long since I've read an article of yours :)
So glad to see you back xD
Beautifully written and presented :)
"- I envy you. Doing exactly what you want.
- No, I just don't do what I don't like. "
"But a sad person is sad in any country.
Anywhere you go, sad is sad.
And the lonely ones are lonely."
Excellent acting from both leads, and especially Shim Eun Kyung: despite not being Japanese she was so natural and convincing.
“I try to make the best of every day — but what does that even mean anyway?”
Always impressed and proud ❤
Glad to know you liked it too :)
Solid, condensed writing and directing, outstanding acting and impactful music gave a memorable watching experience.
What a great, captivating debut for auteur Koreeda Hirokazu!