A slow-paced, gentle, bittersweet humane movie about food and the joys of a good day’s work. Laconic but beautifully shot and acted, with an aesthetically impeccable and naturalistic technical finish. It compassionately portrays three lonely, haunted-looking people, the almost invisible and forgotten issue of the outcast status of leprosy patients and the positive philosophy of life, the wonders of nature, and the necessity of living in the present moment.
Entertaining and addictive, even 19 years later:) Excellent cast and guest roles, with many familiar talented faces and a Kimura Takuya that never fails to deliver!
An underrated gem! An intriguing and intelligent satire that brilliantly points out modern society’s dependence on technology and its impact on everyday life in this story of a family of four caught in an (unexplained) total power cut that forces them to leave home in a big city and seek help in the countryside. Issues like lack of connection between generations, technological dependency, lack of primal skills and engagement with the world around us, as well as the stability of the social order are subtly but successfully addressed. So is their character development through the obstacles they overcome and the interesting encounters they have on their challenging journey through Japan. The film’s family is very well cast, with each character having its very own flaws and strengths, but Kohinata and his smooth and hilarious transformations is the definite stand-out.
A charming, quiet and very enjoyable family-oriented story about the struggles of modern life, the gender roles and expectations, as well as the complications that are often created when trying to balance work and family. Full of heart, smiles and a few life-lessons and, most of all, a confused but proud and stoic samurai played on point by Ryo Nishikido :)
Totally agree with Gwi, Hong Gil Dong & co and kids from Moon Embracing the Sun! :D
Those kids were under my radar since then and I'm so glad they have grown up to wonderful actors/actresses! "Rebel" is still one of my most fave dramas and Gwi is an iconic character :)
Such a lovely article! Pleasantly surprised by Gil Tae Mi and totally agree with Ta Hwan, Yi Yoong and Yi Bang Won :) If I may add a few more, they would be: Bi Dam and Mi Shil from "Queen Seon Duk", Gwi from "The Scholar Who Walks the Night", Hong Gil Dong, his father and Mo Ri from "Rebel", Lady Kim from "The Tale of Nokdu", the three young versions of the main leads from "Moon Embracing the Sun", Gu Wol Ryung from "Gu Family Book", King Suk Jong from "Jang Ok Jung", Iljimae's father from "Iljimae"
An exquisite slice-of-life drama with poignant characters study, like the ones writer Noh Hee Kyung has gifted us with over the years. With a great cast of talented newcomers at the time, NHK successfully managed to bring these complicated characters to life through their compelling and dramatic journey of confronting the lonely, pretense life they have been living -due to their secrets and regrets- in order to start over and create the life and happiness they seek.
Beautifully shot, with magnificent scenery, filming settings and costumes and an ethereal, subtle performance from Nakatani Miki, this movie's weakest point is its story narration and pace.
A slow-paced, quiet, dark, sad movie that depicts the re-connection of young Zhen Chen with his mother and reveals the mystery behind the reasons she abandoned him. The cinematography, its gloomy tone and color schematics imposes a unique melancholic, nostalgic mood to the atmosphere. Jang Dong Yoon and, particularly, Lee Na-Young’s performances were powerful and compelling.
Sayounara is a quiet, subdued, pastel colored coming-of-age indie movie that tells the story of a high school girl who dives into depression, internalization and distancing -after her close friend dies- and her journey of coming to terms with grief, as life carries on around her.
An unconventional film, being shot without a script but with only a rough plot and using improvisations by its newbie cast, who speak out their true feelings in each scene and each moment.
Light and entertaining slice of life j-drama, depicting the love-life, friendship and work related problems of three single friends. Excellent cast, a bit simplified story and a great bromance, which was the stronger element of this overall pleasant drama.
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It compassionately portrays three lonely, haunted-looking people, the almost invisible and forgotten issue of the outcast status of leprosy patients and the positive philosophy of life, the wonders of nature, and the necessity of living in the present moment.
Excellent cast and guest roles, with many familiar talented faces and a Kimura Takuya that never fails to deliver!
An intriguing and intelligent satire that brilliantly points out modern society’s dependence on technology and its impact on everyday life in this story of a family of four caught in an (unexplained) total power cut that forces them to leave home in a big city and seek help in the countryside.
Issues like lack of connection between generations, technological dependency, lack of primal skills and engagement with the world around us, as well as the stability of the social order are subtly but successfully addressed. So is their character development through the obstacles they overcome and the interesting encounters they have on their challenging journey through Japan.
The film’s family is very well cast, with each character having its very own flaws and strengths, but Kohinata and his smooth and hilarious transformations is the definite stand-out.
Full of heart, smiles and a few life-lessons and, most of all, a confused but proud and stoic samurai played on point by Ryo Nishikido :)
"Rebel" is still one of my most fave dramas and Gwi is an iconic character :)
Pleasantly surprised by Gil Tae Mi and totally agree with Ta Hwan, Yi Yoong and Yi Bang Won :)
If I may add a few more, they would be:
Bi Dam and Mi Shil from "Queen Seon Duk",
Gwi from "The Scholar Who Walks the Night",
Hong Gil Dong, his father and Mo Ri from "Rebel",
Lady Kim from "The Tale of Nokdu",
the three young versions of the main leads from "Moon Embracing the Sun",
Gu Wol Ryung from "Gu Family Book",
King Suk Jong from "Jang Ok Jung",
Iljimae's father from "Iljimae"
With a great cast of talented newcomers at the time, NHK successfully managed to bring these complicated characters to life through their compelling and dramatic journey of confronting the lonely, pretense life they have been living -due to their secrets and regrets- in order to start over and create the life and happiness they seek.
Satoh Takeru at his finest :)
Hoping for better luck next time ;)
The cinematography, its gloomy tone and color schematics imposes a unique melancholic, nostalgic mood to the atmosphere.
Jang Dong Yoon and, particularly, Lee Na-Young’s performances were powerful and compelling.