One popcorn coming right up

A Samurai in Time

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 13:19:00 +0000

Japanese Film Festival 2025

Cinema 1, The Red Carpet

Edsa Shangri-la Mall

As the title suggests, "A Samurai in Time" is a time travel film about a real life Edo period samurai Kosaka Shinzaemon who by some freak in nature through a lightning strike is transported 400 years into the future. He conveniently 'lands' on a film set of a Kyoto television series where he is mistaken as an extra. Trouble brews as he yields an actual katana sword and almost ends up killing the main character. Sticking to the code of honor of a samurai, he defends the 'damsel in distress' character of the series.

Kosaka is mostly confined on the set of the film where the kind hearted AD (assistant director) takes him to a hospital because he hurt his head during one of the reel sword fights on the set. Assuming that he got amnesia from the injury, the AD also helps him settle in a nearby temple where the shooting is done.

Kosaka settles down quickly earning his living as an extra on the film set. It is only when he is cast in another Jidaigeki genre film where the twist occurs. This genre refers to Japanese period dramas set primarily in the Edo period, known for its authentic portrayal and historical accuracy in costumes and styling. Normally these films, TV series or theatrical plays feature samurai, sword fighting and tales of honor highlighting the struggle between good and evil. A popular film genre which is slowly losing its appeal to the younger generation.

So back to the twist, I won't reveal any spoilers but suffice to say, it added a much needed boost to the storyline of this film within a film heartwarming light comedy with an equal amount of dramatic sequences (especially the sword fighting scenes) and emotionally reflective moments.

Showtime 7

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 02:37:00 +0000

Japanese Film Festival 2025

Cinema 1, The Red Carpet

Edsa Shangri la Mall

So after that really confusing, ambiguous existential tale about either evil exist or does not exist, in terms of mankind encroaching upon nature's ecosystem, I wanted a lighter much lighter, easy to understand Japanese film.

Showtime 7 served its purpose in being a straight forward drama without frills except for yet another open ended conclusion. Is it now the norm for Japanese movies (or European movies too) to end without issues being resolved in plain black and white? I really don't know.

Basically it is a drama/mystery film about a former radio celebrity who was relegated to another radio show because he got involved in some controversy. He spends his days at his show giving out trivia and connecting with his loyal followers. Until one day, a caller issues a bomb threat at one of his programs. At first, it was not taken seriously until an actual bombing takes place at some power plant.

Next thing we know and see is the former radio celebrity is back in his elements. That is being investigative, knows all the right questions to ask the so called 'bomber' who has labor and employment issues. Celebrity radio show is now at the thick of it, even getting a bigger studio and a wider audience who are all fascinated with the clues that the 'bomber' gives as well as a race against time as his threats get more specific and deadly.

Actually I got a bit bored mid way and lost all interest as to the true motive of the so called bomber because it exuded an amateurish case of whodunit and the 'threat' was not too plausible, either. The only redeeming value is the good performance of the cast and as I stated earlier, the intriguing open ended conclusion. So yeah, I won't recommend this movie. Good thing, admission was free!

Evil does not Exist

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:32:00 +0000

Japanese Film Festival 2025

Cinema 1, The Red Carpet

Edsa Shangri-la Mall

The first four minutes (yes I timed it lol) of this nature infused movie has no dialogue, just a footage of tall trees, and the clear sky. It looks like it is viewed from the perspective of someone lying down who is being transported through a forested area. Whether this sequence is related in any way to the shocking conclusion is debatable. In the same manner, that the title itself and the ending of the film is open to various interpretations, all of which are valid depending on your level of comprehension. But I am getting ahead of myself.

Pristine images of a small rural town provide an excellent backdrop to the story of a father and daughter whose lives will soon be taken over by a company that threatens to disturb their calm surroundings. Takumi, a taciturn jack of all trades spends his days collecting pure mountain water for a local eatery, picking wild wasabi, chopping wood for his fireplace, picking his daughter Hana up from school (although more often than not, he loses track of time so the girl makes her own way home through the forest trail) and spends time with friends which is typical in a small town where everyone basically knows each other.

The quiet town, about two hours away from Tokyo (or so they say) is about to be invaded by corporate Japan. A start up company plans to put up a glamping area for local tourists to chill and relax from the hustle and bustle of city life. Naturally this doesn't go well with the community even as two representatives are sent to the town to basically pitch their brilliant idea even though their plans are all drawn up and it is merely a formality to inform the town of the major project.

In an open forum at the town hall meeting, it is clear that the company has nil knowledge about nature and how the glamping site would severely affect the natural flow of the environment. The town is also the habitat of wild sika deers which play an integral part in this intriguing film's climax.

No, I won't reveal any spoilers. But yes, this slow burn movie about nature reacting to human interference and the disturbance of the ecosystem has a sinister twist towards the ending. It would leave you with more questions than answers. The beautiful part is that it lingers even after you have stepped out of the movie theater.

The director said in a lengthy interview that he specifically ended it that way so the audience can form their own opinions about what they just witnessed in the film. I guess he is correct because until now I find myself still wracking my brain cells with a million and one deductions incessantly.

L' amour et Les Forets (Just the Two of Us) France

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:17:00 +0000

Cine Europa

Cinema 3, Red Carpet Cinema

Edsa Shangri-la Mall

The English translation of this French movie is "Love and Forests", not "Just the Two of Us". But I can see and understand why a forest is referenced in the title, it played an integral part in this dramatic movie about obsessively possessive behaviour disguised as love.

Blanche, a literature teacher meets Gregoire at a party she was hesitant to attend. They click instantly, as they laugh at the same jokes, discuss Moliere endlessly, and have sexual compatibility. Soon enough, they get married and have kids right away. It is only when Gregoire convinces her to move to another town away from her closely knitted family (her mother and her twin sister) that troubles arise.

It turns out that Greg (let's call him that as it is too long to type his entire name lol) is a jealous, self absorbed, manipulative control freak and dare I say, for lack of a better term, a sociopath. He doesn't want Blanche to work, controls her finances, is in a good mood then gets all riled up over petty things. He also tends to play games like portraying himself as the victim when things heat up between them. His tearful apologies, his I.don't.know.why.I.am.this.way pleas, his 'mea culpa' stance - anything just so Blanche will have pity on him, and hope deep in her heart that he changes his ways . But it is just a ruse.

It is interesting to watch how a "supposedly" good person with all the right characteristics you would want in a life partner, suddenly turn into a totally different person. Maybe that was his true persona and he was just masking it? Was he born this way? Did some past trauma in his childhood or his adolescent years scar him? Did Blanche trigger this behavioral shift? Is he even aware that he is that way? It is difficult to decipher how these 'sociopaths' are wired.

The film is narrated from Blanche's point of view as she tells her domestic abuse story to her divorce laywer. She is a tough cookie but even the strongest among us can crumble under such an immensely intense and stressful life situation. Although it is understandable that any woman would want to get out of this situation by any means possible, sometimes it is NOT as easy as just packing up and leaving. In the same breath, what Blanche does to escape from her miserable marital woes, is in my books not justifiable, either. This is where the forest in the title comes in, but I am not giving away any spoilers. Suffice to say, you can't right a wrong by another wrong. I will simply leave it at that.

As most European movies go, this film ends with an open ended conclusion. As we see both parties enter the judge's office, we are left to form our own conclusions. Does Blanche gets her happy ending through a divorce or does Greg play his victim card to his advantage?

Father and Mothers (Denmark)

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:38:00 +0000

Cine Europa 2025

Cinema 3, Red Carpet Cinemas

Edsa Shangri la Mall

This Danish film focuses on the length that parents will go to secure a good education for their children. Piv and her husband Ulrich surmise that their daughter Hannah is not developing properly in a public school setting. So when a slot is available at an exclusive school in a close knit community, they grab the opportunity to enroll their somewhat shy and unenthusiastic daughter.

Judging from the interview with the strict headmaster Adrian, this new school exudes an elitish, snobbish vibe. Yet Piv and Ulrich are determined that Hannah will finally thrive after years of transferring from one school to another school.

They first get to meet the other parents in a meeting to discuss the annual camping trip. A whole bunch of characters who one might mistake to be part of some cult. You know those types who are active in sports, do yoga, eat healthy, self righteous and always politically correct kind of individuals. They are all seemingly friendly to each other yet also high competitive. Piv and Ulrich try to always be on their best behavior as they aim to please and ingratiate themselves with the other parents. They are further put 'on the spot' as they join the annual camping/cabin trip in some idyllic garden/forest resort.

The film clearly focuses on merely the rapport and camaraderie between the parents during this camping trip. Their kids are mostly nameless and just shown in the backdrop. The kids are well behaved, interact with each other and all get along well. The same though cannot be said for their parents who get into each other's affairs, resorts to pointing out each other's flaws and a general sense of resentment, even envy permeates throughout their interaction at the camp.

The characteristics and attitudes of the different characters are multi-dimensional and well acted out by the cast. This is what elevates this film from a mere PTA meeting/gathering one layered plot albeit sans the teachers. Personally I am not a parent but one does not have to be a parent to recognize the competitiveness, the hypocrisy and the false pretenses just to get their kids in good schools. It is mostly for social status if I may boldly say so because in the long run, it is the children who ultimately either suffer or benefit from the eccentric often weird shenanigans of their parents. That's quite sad.

Un Metier Serieux (A Real Job) France

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 14:28:00 +0000

Cine Europa 2025

Cinema 3, Red Carpet Cinemas

Edsa Shangri-la Mall

Nothing much goes on in this comedy drama about a group of teachers in a middle school in a smal French town. Main character is Benjamin, a PhD student who is a substitute math teacher. Fresh graduate with no relevant teaching experience, he makes do with the help of the other supporting teachers. Nowadays, students are more vocal and quite aware of their rights so teaching isn't an easy job.

Benjamin's parents (his father is a doctor while his mother is a professor) believes he will be better off finishing his doctoral studies first so he will have more fruitful opportunities. But as the title suggests, Benjamin is determined to prove that being a teacher is a real job. And a thankless job at that. But mercifully, Benjamin's co teachers make him feel welcome and help him adjust to this teaching duties.

Personally, I know it is very difficult to balance your job and your doctoral studies. Both tasks require a lot of time and effort, not to mention tons of research to finish. It can really lead to one not finishing one's Phd degree because work (especially teaching) takes up most of your entire waking hours. So in that aspect, Benjamin's dilemma is relatable to anyone who is in his shoes.

Good ensemble cast composed of credible actors who all give their characters depth and personality in an otherwise predictable narrative set in a small French town middle school. No major dramatic conflict to throw the characters off key, just a very minor character arc for the lead star, no open ended conclusion to wreck your brain cells. Everything simply falls into its proper place, a nice way to spend a lazy September Saturday afternoon.

Beyond the Blue Border (Germany)

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:43:00 +0000

Cine Europa 2025

Cinema 3, Red Carpet Cinemas

Edsa Shangri-la Mall

Beyond the blue border in this case refers to the Baltic sea which separates a small East German town from the nearest island town of Fehmarn located in West Germany. Set in the late 1980s when Germany was still divided by the Berlin wall, (the East was ruled by Communist rule while the West had a democratic form of government) we encounter best friends Hanna and Andreas. They have been friends since childhood and even live in the same government type housing complex.

Hanna is an excellent swimmer. In fact, she is part of the national swimming team. She is in training to compete in a big championship and dreams of being an Olympian. Andreas, on the other hand is a delinquent non conformist who is often sent to rehab. But you need to understand that under Communist rule, rehab is a harsh, labor intensive method of 'correcting' bad behavoir. Totally not reformative, in any way.

A desperate Andreas comes up with a plan to 'escape' from the rigors of living under Communist rule. He wants to swim towards freedom. 30 - 40 kilometers is the distance they need to swim towards the nearest West German town. Although Hanna is not really repressed and has a chance of being a champion swimmer, she decides to join her best friend. She even helps in training him like teaching him how to hold his breath under water, and how to adapt the correct swimming posture.

Filmed in a non linear structure, we are shown scenes of the friends in their daily school lives, their interaction with their peers and their parents. Along with sequences of them swimming in frigid sea waters under calm and stormy conditions, trying not to get caught or killed by the authorities. With only a thin cord connected around their wrists keeping them close to each other. They survive by eating chocolates nicely packed in a plastic bag during lulls from their swimming quest.

It is doubly disturbing how seemingly 'normal' students/friends feel that their only way to survive in a such a harsh world is to escape by swimming across the Baltic sea. Because aside from the narratives of Andreas being harassed in rehab, there isn't a very compelling reason for them to leave everything behind. In fact, Hanna is very closed to her mostly home bound father who is suffering from some mental disability which isn't mentioned in the film. On account of the closeness between father and daughter, I couldn't understand how she could just leave him behind. But I reckon her friendship with Andreas took precedence because she was willing to give up her dream of being an Olympian swimmer just to help her best friend Andreas have a chance at a better life.

A gripping tale of friendship depicting the dreams of young people who have nothing to lose and everything to gain even if it means putting their lives in danger. Beyong the Blue Border gives us a good perspective to never take freedom for granted.

The Peasants (Poland)

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:45:00 +0000

Cine Europa 2025

Cinema 3, the Red Carpet Cinemas

Shangri-la Mall

Today was the launch of the 28th Cine Europa film festival for this year. The opening film is an artistic showcase from Poland, the country where Blessed Pope John Paul II was born. This is the first time I witnessed an film styled like a mural/painting or is it the other way around? A painting that was converted into a film? Suffice to say, it was very realistically made and quite an interesting concept.

It is the film adaptation of a 1924 Nobel prize winning novel by Wladyslaw Reymont. It is a huge feat for the filmmakers to condense into roughly two hours all the four volume novels about life in a small Polish agricultural town. A society/community where intrigues, gossip mongering, deceit, prevail in a patriarchal society with a strong feminine presence, on a daily basis. I also read that it took over 100 painters to recreate each of the live action frames for the scenes. It was so realistic that after a while, you don't notice it is a painted animation film.

The film focuses on Jagna, a beautiful free spirited 19 year old lass who tends to be both naive as well as, for lack of a better word, a sly character. The kind of person who knows she is pretty but at the same time exudes a certain innocence that men tend to fall for. Now, this isn't necessarily a bad thing but neither is it a good trait for a young lady. And in the lush country side of the small Polish town, she is the center of attraction. She is of marrying age, so men of all shapes and sizes are all falling over themselves to win her. Of course in a town steeped in traditions, the one with the most wealth would be the appropriate choice as her husband.

The vivid tapestry of the changing seasons from the hot summer days, the changing color of the leaves during autumn to the freezing snowy winter nights provide a very rich background to the story of Jagna. Mostly the scenes unfold with frantic and intense tones, interspersed with laid back dragging sequences where nothing happens. Peaking towards a very fervent conclusion with "the Scarlet Letter" connotation. Suffice to say if you haven't read or heard of "the Scarlet Letter" novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne, you would certainly not get my drift nor understand what I am alluding to, at all.

Don't be fooled with the stunning visuals, the animated painting frames because The Peasants to all intents and purposes is quite a heavy laden motion picture. It deals with social ills, community based envy, small town intrigues and deceit, all unfolding in a period fraught with traditional behaviors, spiritual customs, and even certain controversial aspects of religiosity. It is quite interesting but it might not appeal to the sensitivities of everybody.

Goodbye Shirazi Girl

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 14:56:00 +0000

Iranian Film Festival 2025

Cultural Exchange Program - Iran/ Philippines

Cinema 3 Shangri la Plaza mall

This film is based on Neil Simon's 1977 film, Goodbye Girl. The movie where Richard Dreyfuss won his Oscar best actor award as Elliot Garfield, the offbeat aspiring actor who has to share an apartment with a single mother (Marsha Mason) and her daughter.

In this Iranian version, Shabnam is the single mother who lives with her daughter in a fairly decent apartment and works as a manager in a restaurant. One rainy night, a stranger is frantically trying to enter her apartment. Apparently, Shabnam's ex boyfriend ghosted her but he owes some money to Nasim so to make amends, he allows Nasim, an aspiring actor to stay at Shabnam's apartment.

Clearly a misunderstanding as Shabnam has no idea who Nasim is, and also why her apparently married boyfriend just abandoned her and left without any warning. Obviously there is a great deal of animosity between Shabnam and Nasim who are polar opposites yet each with their own endearing qualities. Soon their living arrangement turns into romance as they learn to accept each other's foibles while still maintaining a sense of common decency. Embracing their differences and learning to blend into each other's complex lives.

This romantic comedy has its charms as it follows to the dot the film upon which it is based, the classic "The Goodbye Girl" by esteemed playwright and director Neil Simon. A bit more cheesy sometimes veering on the corny side yet with cultural nuances inserted, this version mostly succeeds due to the believable performances of the two lead actors.

In the Arms of the Tree

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 13:22:00 +0000

Iranian Film Festival 2025
Cultural Exchange Program - Iran/ Philippines

Cinema 3, Shangri-la Plaza Cinemas

Iran has a vibrant film industry. Some of their films mirror the tumultuous and volatile political landscape as well as feature the complex everyday lives of ordinary people. I figure this can be applicable to any nation with a rich, colorful history and a populace that has endured so much through the years.

Filmed in its official language, Persian/Farsi with English subtitles (naturally), In the Arms of the Tree explores the complicated situation of Kimia and Farid. After 12 years, Kimia is seeking divorce as she is beset with a trauma/phobia which affects her mobility.

They have not yet informed their young sons, 11 year old Taha and 5 year old Alisan about the divorce. Farid wants Taha to live with him as he has started to inculcate his eldest son to be a responsible son, brother and eventually take over the family business. While the youngest would go with his mother. This would disrupt the close bond of the siblings, as the impact of any form of separation/divorce would naturally be most felt by the innocent children.

Shot mostly outdoors in rural Iran, the latter part of the movie intensifies. We are kept on the edge of our seats with mixed emotions, sensing the desperation of both Kimia and Farid and like them we find ourselves praying that it won't end up in tragedy.

A melodramatic tale about the effects of a marital discord on the lives of the children as well as between the couple themselves. Effective performances from the cast, especially the actress who portrays Kimia, her anguish was palpable and added to the intensity of the dramatic scenes.

The simple rural settings of a small town that is not yet swallowed up technology is a refreshing change from today's decaying society obsessed by instant gratification, a fast paced lifestyle and the onslaught of artificial intelligence.

The Dancing Okami

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 12:16:00 +0000

Japan Film Festival Special Program
Journey through Japan on Screen in Manila 2025

Cinema 1, Red Carpet Cinemas

Edsa Shangri la Mall

I missed the run of the Japanese Film Festival because I was in Hongkong from 03 January to the 9th of February 2025. Luckily, this weekend they had a special screening of a few Japanese movies but I was able to secure only one ticket (35 pesos booked online with QR code) because the others quickly sold out.

First of all, an okami refers to the traditional manager (specifically females) of a Japanese inn known as ryokan or onsen (spa). They are the driving force behind the success of many resorts in rural as well as urban Japan. There are whole towns in Japan known for its traditional ryokans which locals as well as tourists visit for much needed R & R.

Yuka is a young lady fascinated with tap dancing so she ventures to Tokyo to hopefully become a famous tap dancer. But after several auditions which don't go in her favor, she decides to go back to her hometown after her mother, an okami falls ill. Putting her tap dancing dreams on hold, she has to step up and learn the ropes of becoming an okami so she can take over the family business. Back home is a gorgeous rural small town in the Kaga Onsen region, where everything is simplified, less hectic but still peppered with interesting and colorful characters.

For a supposed to be dancer, she is pretty clumsy and has difficulty in her training as a landlady. Being an okami is hard work, one must be equipped with special skill sets not just in doing physical chores but also maintain a proper decorum with impeccable character and integrity.

The film then pretty much turns into a tourism campaign of the various inns and onsens of the Ishikawa Perfecture in the Kaga Onsen region. A contest is launched in the small town so Yuka along with her fellow okami trainees, decide on an extensive song and dance presentation featuring what else but tap dancing. The other land ladies all struggle with the steps yet persevere until the very end in order to showcase the onsen industry.

Good acting from the ensemble cast as you can truly feel their struggle in their dancing lessons, this inspiring tale of guts and glory towards a common goal - to promote the beauty of their town - will likely motivate the audience to never quit on their dreams, even if the journey is paved with obstacles, to keep dancing, with a never say die attitude and a whole lot of perseverance. Everything is worth it, in the end!

The Teacher's Lounge

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 13:27:00 +0000

KinoFest: The German Film Festival
The Red Carpet, Shangri la Plaza Cinema

Besieged by a series of thefts in a local school where pupils and even teaching staff are suspects, The Teacher's Lounge explores the length a newly hired idealistic math teacher would go to expose injustice in their diverse community. The admin zeroes in on the immigrant students as suspects, now known as racial profiling. Yet when teacher Carla herself becomes a victim of theft, she goes all out to accuse the perpetrator (the staff is the mother of one of her bright students) whom she caught on video using the webcam of her laptop. It sends the entire high school into a web of suspicion, speculation, with a myriad of lies and half truths.

The film unfolds within the claustrophobic walls of the school, without any semblance nor background into the lives of the characters especially Carla. We can ascertain she is idealistic, righteous and wants fairness in everything she does. Nothing personal in terms of relationship status is revealed about her.

The tale progresses at a slow pace but is packed with gripping drama as the investigation takes its toil on the students, the other teachers and especially on Carla. Her idealism and her strong sense of justice is questioned, examined and put to the test as she weaves through the fallout of her accusation. Students acting out in rage specifically Oskar whose mother is the 'suspected' thief, the student council publishing a scathing article about her integrity, the other teachers distancing themselves from her, and even a disruptive PTA meeting.

All these heavy emotions don't go lightly as the audience is also torn between rooting for Carla yet at the same time, also maligning the deceptive method she used to catch the thief. The ensemble cast of mostly kids and the actress portraying teacher Carla do well to project their characters insecurities and fears. The film concludes without any firm resolution, yet it leaves a lasting impression about our own biased assumptions about how we treat other human beings especially when so called 'bad' things happen to us.

Wedding High

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 13:19:00 +0000

Japan Film Festival
Online 2024

I tend to watch Japanese movies laden with conflict, personalities with strong character development, focusing on sensitive issues like suicide or bullying and/or samurai themed films.

For a change, I chose Wedding High because it is a comedy.

It did not disappoint. It was a riot.

The story revolves around a couple getting married, from the planning stage, to the actual wedding ceremony and the reception. Mostly seen through the eyes of the seasoned wedding planner who has her hands full with all the 'problems' that she needs to iron out to ensure a smooth, happy wedding.

Anyone who has planned a wedding knows the abundant amount of stress that comes with it and a Japanese wedding ceremony is no exception. You have relatives (from both sides) and friends offering themselves as 'entertainment' like lasso roping, performing magic and escape tricks, to the fillet of an actual tuna by the father of the bride - certainly eccentric yet also quite amusing. To further complicate the melee, throw in the ex boyfriend of the bride with his sinister plot and a burglar, who all give us an interesting insight into the essence of humor in the Japanese culture.

I found it interesting that the plot featured the background stories of some characters from the wedding entourage like the videographer friend, the groom's boss watching comedy shows so he can deliver a funny, anecdotal speech and the poignant life story of the wedding planner.

The 'wedding story' clocks in with almost 2 hours of fun entertaining narratives and side plots all unfolding seamlessly. The ensemble cast of quirky characters with their colorful lives added flavor to this comedy with an unexpected twist towards the end.

Be warned, you might need to put on your sleuth hat to piece together the different parts of the puzzle.

Don't worry, it isn't rocket science!

I am what I am

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:33:00 +0000

Japan Film Festival
Online 2024

Kasumi is a 30 year old single female. At her age, her family is worried she won't settle down so they set her up with a potential prospect who I would say is "husband material". The son of the owner of a ramen shop where Kasumi is a regular customer.

There is one problem, though.

Kasumi is not interested. She does not fit the mold of a single Japanese female looking for a partner to settle down, raise a family and live happily ever after.

You see, Kasumi is asexual. This refers to someone who is not sexually attracted to a person of any gender. It is actually quite common nowadays among the younger generation. After a few serious dates, Kasumi expressly mentions to 'potential husband' that she is not in any way attracted to him. A sort of it's not you, it's me, so don't take it personally situation.

The film is interesting and refreshing as it delves into the lead character's persona without any judgement, condemnation nor mockery about her preference. Kasumi seems content with her job in a nursery for small kids after she has given up her dream to become a cellist. She has a good social life, a few friends who are supportive and her family even though they don't really understand her status, they have more or less accepted her fate.

In Japan with its age old traditions steeped with cultural and historical dimensions, an older generation getting older and a persistent decline in the child birth rate, it is rare that a film focuses on a sensitive subject dealing with gender preferences and sexualism. More often than not, they are misunderstood, jeered for not conforming to society's ideals of normalcy. But seeing Kasumi thrive, we learn to accept her new normal and it doesn't require much effort on our part.

Yet in a universe where there is too much hatred, bashing (for lack of a better word) and violent reactions both online and in the real world, it pays to be kind, tolerant and more agreeable to live freely without any prejudices towards our fellow human beings, no matter their race, gender, religious beliefs and whatever else we judge people with these days.

My broken Mariko

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 09:12:00 +0000

Japan Film Festival
Online 2024

We are introduced to Mariko through a breaking news on the TV in a small diner, an office worker Tomoyo hears and see it on the telly. The news story is about a young lady who committed suicide by jumping off the balcony of her residence. Tomoyo instantly recognized the suicide victim whose name is flashed across the screen. Mariko was her troubled childhood classmate. Mariko was physically and mentally abused by her parents her entire life.

Tomoyo takes leave from her work to pay her respects to her childhood friend. She ends up stealing the urn containing Mariko's ashes from her despicable parents, vowing to give her friend a true, final tribute. A much better send off than what she experienced throughout her miserably troubled past. A road trip ensues as Tomoyo travels by train, bus to the farthest corner of Japan to a seaside town which Mariko always talked and dreamed about in her youth.

Guided by some letters written by Mariko which Tomoyo found in her lil trove chest, we are introduced to the sweet, kind hearted yet clingy Mariko through flashbacks. Often poor Mariko is covered with bruises on her face and her body yet she is always smiling and a dear friend toTomoyo.

It isn't easy to watch a film that explores suicide, grief and misery but the way it was presented to a captive audience is through light hearted moments between the two friends. No physical altercation is shown on screen but it is truly implied that poor Mariko was a victim of abuse.

I guess that suicide is a common occurrence in Japan. Most if not all Japanese films that deal with this sensitive subject is ingrained with deep, mixed emotions. It isn't sensationalized nor glorified and neither does it dwell too much on the act of killing oneself. Focusing instead on the varied reasons why a growing number of these cases happen. Peer pressure, depression, non comformity to society's norms to name a few. Each of these 'reasons' are valid and I don't intend to belittle those who choose to end their lives instead of bearing the struggles, the trials and tribulations of life.

"My broken Mariko" in its simplicity is able to draw us into the emotional journey of Tomoyo's quest to give her dear friend a fitting tribute so that even if only in her death, she would have felt loved, not neglected by her parents, her peers and society in general.

We made a beautiful bouquet

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:55:00 +0000

Japanese Film Festival
Online 2024

The Japan Foundation organized the 3rd Japanese Film Festival online featuring 23 films of different genre that run for two weeks, from June 5 (12 noon) to June 19 (12 noon), 2024. The subsequent two weeks from June 19 noon to July 3 noon, 2024, they will be streaming full episodes of two (2) TV drama series. Simply register at the official website, log in and start streaming the movies. Subtitles in several languages are available. 23 Japanese movies is alot to watch in a span of two weeks so I just picked the ones which piqued my interest.

My first choice is an anatomy of a love story between a young couple with many common interests and hobbies. A chance meeting when they both miss the last train home, they end up spending time at a diner/cafe discussing a myriad of topics and discovering they are on the same wavelength. Missing a train home surely sucks but if this means that you get to meet the love of your life then it must be fate.

Kinu and Mugi's love story spans 5 years before the cracks surface, and unfortunately fizzles out. Not really a spoiler, mind you. Because as the audience can clearly see, from the second or third year of their relationship, their bond slowly and sadly begin to drift apart. Even though they live together in an apartment with a stunning view of a bridge, their seemingly idyllic set up turns into a haven of lonely desperation.

By then, we are clearly invested in them and keep wishing that they would try harder to make it work. We talk back to the screen, almost screaming at them that Migu should be more attentive towards her and not bury himself in his job. While we also wish we could shake Kinu and tell her to be more understanding of Migu's need to be the main provider in their household. An interesting aspect is presented towards the ending when both Migu and Kinu still thinking alike, equally decide that separation is the best and only option for them. Such maturity is rare, especially in the youth nowadays.

Couples breaking up isn't easy to watch in any language or form, whether on the screen or in real life yet it does happen regardless if they are Asian or European. Or whether they are in their 20s, 30s or even in their 60s. Yet to see it from a Japanese perspective, with young actors portraying really relatable and well developed characters is refreshing in many ways. "We Made a Beautiful Bouquet" is a well made film about a couple's break up because it was emotionally raw, and humanely portrayed without any shouting matches, or some melodramatic third party angle. In my book, hysterics serve no purpose in a break up movie.

The Holdovers

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph
Dominic Sessa, Carrie Preston

"Discomfort and Joy"

2024 Oscar Awards

Da'Vine Joy Randolph: Best Supporting Actress Winner
Paul Giamatti: Best Actor Nominee
Best Picture Nominee
Best Original Screenplay Nominee

Last March 18, I caught the first part of this movie on our flight to Singapore yet fell asleep mid way as it was an early morning flight. So I decided to re-watch it from the beginning during our return flight back home on March 24. Even though I was exhausted from the Singapore vacation, I managed to stay awake to finish the entire movie, after eating a really delicious dinner on Singapore Airlines.

Set in the 1970s in an all boys New England prep school called Barton, you can't help but compare "The Holdovers" with "Dead Poets Society. It is also a tale of a teacher who makes a huge impact on the lives of his students.

While Robin Williams was an inspirational presence to an entire class, here Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham is not a well loved teacher. He is a grumpy, no fuss teacher with no bedside manners yet he is also a brilliant intellect. When he is assigned to 'babysit' a bunch of 'holdovers' or students with nowhere to go during Christmas break, he forms an improbable bond with Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa), a troubled student with dysfunctional family issues. To 'defrost' the icy, sardonic Mr Hunham, there is the kind hearted cook of the school, Mary (Da'Vine Joy Randolph) who is mourning the lost of her son in the Vietnam War.

The film picks up when Mr Hunham, together with Angus and Mary go on a road trip to visit Angus's father who happens to be in a mental institution. Guards are down as three distinctly different characters bond over a simple meal. Their interaction is where the film shines. Relying purely on the credible acting skills of its stars, bouyed by a dialogue driven script unfolding in rural America in the early 1970s, "The Holdovers" succeeds on its own merit.

It manages to warm our hearts with a good inspirational story of compassion and friendship with the right blend of light comedy and heavy drama dealing with sensitive issues like grief and mental illness. Without any fancy special effects to distract us from the true essence of a feel good movie.

Killers of the Flower Moon

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 07:41:00 +0000

Leo Di Caprio, Robert de Niro, Lily Gladstone
Jesse Plemons, Brendan Fraser, John Lithgow

2024 Oscar Awards

Best Picture Nominee
Lily Gladstone: Best Actress Nominee
Robert de Niro: Best Supporting Actor Nominee
Martin Scorsese: Best Director Nominee

Leo di Caprio and Robert de Niro are enough reason to watch any movie. Cue in the Martin Scorsese as its director and the refreshing presence of Lily Gladstone as Mollie the central character who holds everything and everyone together in this intriguing tale, one is guaranteed to be entertained.

Based on the non fiction novel (I haven't read because who has time to read, these days?) of the same title by David Grann, it took Scorsese several years to film due to the disruptive pandemic and he also had to convince the Osage nation to help him in the filming of this grand saga. Naturally, it is a delicate issue when it comes to dealing with the struggles that Native Americans endured in the glorious past.

Set in Oklahoma in the 1920s, the story revolves around the Osage Indian tribe's rise to success after discovering oil in their ancestral lands. Any success, be it earned or achieved is always riddled with long tedious murky struggles. In other words, everything comes at a price.

Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo di Caprio) is a second World War veteran who returns home in Oklahoma to stay with his uncle Bill (Robert de Niro) and his brother Byron (Scott Shepard). Eager to make his mark after the gruelling war, he hits the jackpot when he meets Mollie (Lily Gladstone). She is a wealthy Osage lady with rights to oil profits from her land. Soon enough, Ernest and Mollie marry and start a family. Yet the question lingers, did he marry her for love or for her oil rights?

Volatile times abound as some Osage tribe members are murdered under mysterious circumstances and Mollie is determined to get to the bottom of these unsolved cases. Voilence, mayhem, power grabbing, and intrigues are the norm in Osage nation as affluence can corrupt the hearts of greedy, unscrupulous even God fearing men (and women).

Running at 3 hours and 26 minutes with several characters thrown into the mix, dialogue in English, some French and the Osage dialect and a vivid cinematography of the Oklahome landscape, in essence the film efficiently chronicled the trials and tribulations of the Osage nation. From a state of hopelessness to sudden boom with the discovery of oil. From being respected members of society to being taken advantage of and even murdered by selfish, greedy 'white people'. This film had all the tell-tale signs for a good caliber movie, too bad it took over 3 long hours to make its point.

The Zone of Interest

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 15:22:00 +0000

2024 Oscar Awards

Best International Film Feature (UK) Winner

Best Sound Winner

This movie is loosely based on the late British author Martin Amis's book that focuses on Rudolf Hoss, the extremely driven commandant of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Austria. "The Zone of Interest" refers to the area surrounding the death camp.

English Director Jonathan Glazer filmed near the actual camp in Auschwitz which is now a memorial museum. He also built a replica of the Hoss's residence. Dialogue is in German, with certain compelling and powerful scenes shot in night vision juxtaposed within the movie that was presented in vivid shots against a drab, gloomy background. Glazer did an excellent job by seamlessly blending scenes of a happy family with sounds of destruction and mayhem from the camp. No wonder, it won the Oscar award for Best in Sound.

The film centers on the family life of the Nazi commander in a modest house with lush gardens and swimming pool just a few meters away from the site where millions of Jews were killed in gas chambers. We see him, his wife Hedwig and their 5 children living in pure oblivion of the horrors behind the perimeter fence. A normal, almost clinical existence with full household help at their beck and call yet we don't get any sense of extravagance. They were quite ordinary during an extraordinary period in history.

We are not shown any gruesome scenes of the atrocities committed against the Jewish people but long angle shots will reveal the smoke billowing from the chimneys in the camp. At some point, it seemed like it was snowing but actually it was from the ashes of the prisoners. Eerie sounds of gunfires, of people screaming, dogs barking echoes in the background during a family dinner. We have the ladies of the household trying on clothes which were evidently taken from the female prisoners. Mrs Hoss (Sandra Huller) even boasted that she found a diamond hidden in a toothpaste so she instructed the help to buy all the toothpaste they could find.

Beyond all that, we can be forgiven to think of them as any ordinary German family living in a small town with their own dreams and aspirations, just like the rest of us. But we must never ever forget what the Nazis did to the Jewish people. Because to deny, or even forget it ever happened would be a greater crime to human kind.

Kudos for winning two Oscar awards, Best Sound and Best International Film Feature (UK).

Past Lives

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 14:44:00 +0000

2024 Oscar Awards

Best Picture Nominee
Celine Song: Best Original Screenplay Nominee

In this semi autobiographical film, written and directed by Celine Song, a Korean Canadian film maker, Nora (Greta Lee) or Na Young as she was known in South Korea and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) are classmates in a school in Seoul. They were pretty close and would probably have ended up married to each other but destiny had other plans. At age 12, Nora's entire family migrate to Canada. When her mother was asked why they were leaving Seoul despite having good jobs. She tells Hae Sung's mother "If you leave something, you gain something too".

12 years past by, Nora is studying to be a playwright. She sees a comment on her father's FB page from Hae Sung who was wondering where he could contact his former classmate. They begin communicating through video calls. Despite the time difference, their line of communication is constant. She lives in New York now while he is still in Seoul. Sort of a LDR, (long distance relationship) but not really romantic, there is no label for their situationship (is that what they call it now?) given that they are continents apart.

You see Nora is a very driven young woman. When she was young in Seoul, she said she was leaving because no one in Korea wins the Nobel Peace Prize. She is focused on getting things done. She decided to end the line of communication with Hae Sung because obviously life takes precedence over anything else. She is going on a writer's retreat while he is busy with his engineering studies. They don't have the luxury of just hopping on a plane to see each other either in Seoul or New York.

12 more years pass by, Nora is now married to Arthur, a Jewish novelist. Hae Sung emails her to say he is finally visiting New York for a short vacation. This stirs up a lot of mixed emotions for Nora but keeps a calm and collected exterior. While Hae Sung is clearly still in love with Nora, he is mature enough to know his limitations, somehow needs closure, a proper good bye, so to speak.

When they finally meet up, it is a bit awkward for the both of them. The pivotal scene at the bar (with her husband Arthur as the third wheel), Hae Sung asks a lot of "what if" questions. He ponders out loud to Nora all the different scenarios that could or could not have happened. Her simple answer is "I don't know". By the way, Nora and Hae Sung speak in Korean to each other while she would sometimes translate it into English for Arthur.

Nora is not a slave to her past, her frame of mind is now focused on the present. She tell Hae Sung that his memory of her as a 12 year old girl is someone she left in Seoul. He concedes and accepts by telling her that she was too big for Seoul. She had lofty ideas, far reaching goals. I totally agree with Nora because who we were when we were 12 years old with pigtails is a totally different person from who we become at 24, 36 or even 48 years of age.

In the same aspect, "Past Lives" will hit differently for the viewers. It depends on how old you are, on your level of maturity, on your concept of fate and destiny, on your past, present and future journey in life. That is the beauty of this film, it will definitely make an impact whether you are a fresh graduate, a new mom or an empty nester. It will simply linger on, linger more and keep lingering.

Anatomy of a Fall

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:03:00 +0000

2024 Oscar Awards

Best Picture Nominee
Sandra Hüller: Best Actress Nominee

Sandra, a German writer lives in a wooden chalet in the French Alps with Samuel, her French husband and their visually impaired 11 year old son Daniel. After an interview in their home is cut short because of Samuel's ruckus band practice, Sandra retreats to her room. Daniel comes back from his daily walk with his service dog, Snoop to discover the lifeless body of Samuel in the snow near the facade of their chalet.

Did Samuel fall, commit suicide or was he pushed from the attic of the chalet?

As it is the norm in questionable deaths, the wife is always the prime suspect. Sandra claims she is innocent, and hires a lawyer to defend her as a murder trial begins to determine the exact cause of Samuel's fatal fall.

During the trial, the frosty cracks in their marriage are brought to the surface. Issues of sacrifices, infidelity, isolation, insecurities in their career and personal life, guilt feelings, regrets - all crop up like mushrooms. Their constant bickering, sometimes even violent arguments are presented during the trial through flash backs and taped audio recordings played in the court room. No stones are left unturned by the prosecution who are out to prove that Sandra did 'kill' her insecure husband. Innocent pawn in the whole mess is their only son, Daniel who just might provide the missing link in the murder case.

Dialogue is mostly in French and some are in English. Sandra speaks in English as a compromise because she feels like a fish out of water in that secluded chalet in some remote town. Filmed in a drab court room, deviod of any fanfare, interspersed with scenic images of the vast snowy terrain, Anatomy of a Fall manages to capture our attention because we are intrigued by Sandra's fate.

Even though, the verdict is not really a big surprise. We can't help but wonder: Did she or did she not murder her husband? As expected from a European movie, the conclusion is open ended. We are not fed with the truth and we are left to form our own opinions.

Sandra Hüller's portrayal of the novelist's stoic and calm demeanor is engaging. Good performance too from the young actor who plays Daniel. Even though the plot moves at a snail pace, and the setting is limited within the confines of the small court house, this film serves as a good analysis on the complexities of a marriage and its implications on the family.

Society of the Snow

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:07:00 +0000

2024 Oscar Awards

Best International Feature Nominee (Spain)

Netflix

J.A. Bayona, the Spanish director of The Impossible about the 2004 tsunami which devastated Thailand is back with another true-life disaster movie. The 1972 crash of a Uruguayan airplane in the Andes mountain. Its passengers were members of a rugby team along with some officials and supporters who were going to Santiago, Chile for an exhibition match.

Out of the 45 passengers, only 16 survived for 72 harsh days battling serious injuries, starvation, intense frostbite, brutal avalanches, watching their team mates in excruciating pain deteriorating in front of their eyes, staring death in the face. .

Their deep Catholic faith, along with their camaraderie sustained them during those gruelling 72 days. Cheering each other up, not losing hope that they will be rescued and they even give each other permission to feed on their dead bodies when they die.

Although that sounds gruesome, it was a reality they had to face in order to survive the elements. Society of the Snow succeeds in its narration of this tragic accident because it focused more on the friendship and their will to survive. It does not highlight the cannibalism which really occurs during any catastrophe of such magnitude. That aspect was handled well.

The vast Andes mountain range provided a bleak backdrop as it stood witness to the devastation of the airplane crash. Excellent make-up and costume design visibly transformed the virile young lads into weary, battle torn and despondent survivors.

The scene which stood out for me is during the actual crash landing of the airplane as it hit the mountain, then slided bounced off the deep snow, the body of the aircraft is sliced into half, the tail is torn off, bodies ejected, could hear the sound of bones breaking as the victims were slammed against metal. It was very vivid, and violent yet at the same time you couldn't keep your eyes off the screen. It was very realistic, thrilling and quite shocking too. One of the best depictions of an actual plane crash I've seen so far.

In movies about disaster, one tends to keep guessing which victim will survive, which victim will not make it. The passengers all looking alike and blending into a big blur. But Society of the Snow was different. It was a humane, poignant and realistic rendering of a tragic accident. An entirely moving and hopeful tale about survival, strength and determination that God won't abandon us during insurmountable hardships.

Perfect Days

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 06:58:00 +0000

2024 Oscar Awards

Best International Feature Nominee (Japan)

If this was a vlog, it would be titled "A day in the life" of the vlogger. This film about Hirayama, a 60 something year old public toilet cleaner's routinary life in Tokyo runs for 2 hours and 3 minutes.

Minimal or hardly any dialogue, he is an old soul as he still listens to music using the old reliable cassette tape while driving to his job. He also uses an old analog camera, with film and takes random pictures of tall trees then he has them developed in a shop. He sorts out the good shots from the 'ugly' ones and neatly arranges them in metal storage boxes.

In this day and age when technology has taken over our lives, it is simply refreshing to witness someone existing without the trappings of modern gadgets. Quite ironic because he lives and works in Tokyo, Japan where the latest versions/models of gadgets are manufactured.

Nothing much is revealed about Hirayama brilliantly portrayed by veteran actor Koji Yakusho. We don't know if he is single, married or divorced. Yet he seems pretty content with his simple, no frills, no drama existence. He exudes a cultured, intellectual vibe, judging from his choice of books (Faulkner, Patricia Highsmith) which he reads every night before sleeping in his tiny, yet well maintained apartment. His musical preference ranges from Otis Redding, Lou Reed to Van Morrison.

In his sleep, we are shown a visual of black and white abstract images which don't really say much about his background. Whether they are dreams or nightmares from his past is not articulated. It is only when his niece shows up at his apartment and stays with him for a few days that we more or less get a glimpse of his past life. When he starts crying after his estranged sister picks up her daughter, we understand his heartbreak but then there is no turning back.

Honestly, 2 hours is a tad too long for a movie that wants us to believe we can subsist with the bare minimum. Renowned director Wim Wenders though succeeds in making Hirayama a well loved character. Towards the emotional ending, in an encounter with a random yet significant character there was even a hint of a possible romantic interlude for Hirayama. Or at least, I like to think so or maybe I am reading too much of it. Heh.

As for his raw, emotion-filled facial expression in the last scene (spoiler alert: actor Koji Yakusho's explanation) it is open for many interpretations. I believe that it comes from a grateful and happy place. Each morning when he opens his door, he looks up at the sky and the rustling leaves of the tall trees outside his modest place and smiles with a twinkle in this eyes. He is living his best life and we do wish him well.

A Man

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 14:04:00 +0000

Japanese Film Festival 2024

Cinema 4, The Red Carpet
Shangri-la Plaza Mall

An intriguing premise abounds in this dramatic thriller that begs the question: how much do we really know someone? Even in the context of a marriage, there are certain truths/secrets/lies that spouses keep from each other especially when it involves some sordid past. We only know a person based on what s/he reveals about themselves.

Rie, a divorced single mother meets Daisuke, a reticent tree faller. She owns a stationery shop that sells art supplies and he frequently buy his sketching materials there. Four years later, they are married and have a daughter and Daisuke is also a doting father to Rie's pre-teen son from her previous marriage.

A tragic accident claims his life and Rie is left to pick up the pieces. At Daisuke's wake, when Kyoichi, Daisuke's estranged brother takes a look at the picture of the deceased, he asserts that Rie's second husband is NOT his brother. To get to the bottom of this whole mistaken identity mess and for the life insurance, Rie hires her former lawyer Akari Kido to do a background check on the true identity of the person she married.

In the blink of an eye, the movie's plot shifts from a story of a happy family unit to a convulted, dark narrative of deceit and hidden identities. It doesn't really delve into the technicalities like identity theft, forged documents or counterfeit. As Atty. Kido probes deeper in his quest, he encounters several characters who shed further light into the true persona of Mr. X. We discover who he really was, the real sad reason he wanted to be someone else. Until slowly, we overlook the deceit and feel more empathy towards him and his hapless existence.

Overall, good performance from the entire cast who all play sympathetic characters. Each of them dealing with their inner demons. Rie is neither a wife nor a widow. Her son is tormented by the fact that he needs to change his surname, yet again. Mr. X was desperate to be 'reborn' to escape the stigma of his father's transgression. Despite being a top lawyer, Atty. Kido is an outcast, being the son of Korean parents living in Japan which I found out is a big issue there. They are called Zainichi Koreans.

Googled this: "You're only a Zainichi Korean if your Korean ancestors settled in Japan during the Japanese colonization period. Zainichi Koreans have a special residential status, they are Korean citizens, but they are also protected under the Japanese law and have most of the same rights as Japanese citizens apart from voting I believe. Zainichi Koreans are also not required to do mandatory military service if male so there's really nothing much to lose if they don't become a naturalized Japanese citizen."

Father of the Milky Way Railroad

noreply@blogger.com (D@phne L@ur@) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 14:38:00 +0000

Japanese Film Festival 2024

Cinema 4, The Red Carpet
Shangri-la Plaza Mall

Filmed in muted tones and set in an idyllic rural Japanese town, laden with heavy dramatic scenes buoyed by sad instrumental background music, this biopic of Kenji Miyazawa an early 20th century Japanese poet and novelist (said to be the Hans Christian Andersen of Japan) runs for 2 hours and 8 minutes.

The plot centers on the Miyazawa family. In a small town, Masajiro Miyazawa is a wealthy pawn shop owner who lives in a humble abode with his father Kisuke, his wife Ichi and their 4 children. He goes above and beyond what is expected of a typical Japanese father and is really hands on in rearing up his children.

He dotes on his first born son Kenji who is expected to inherit the pawn shop. After free spirited Kenji is done with his studies in an agricultural school, his flair for writing poetry and short stories is developed. All of these elements clashes with Masajiro's desire to retire so Kenji can take over the family business.

Will Kenji be allowed to pursue his passion or would he be forced to manage the pawn shop?

The answer to this question unfolds in several melancholic scenes that is well acted out by the two lead male characters. An inner struggle develops within both Masajiro and Kenji. Their relationship is tested, but their love for each other never wanes. I had no idea who Kenji Miyazawa was nor am I aware of any of his writings, so it was hard for me to feel invested in his story.

Yet the universal theme of the power of family and the unconditional love of a father for his son amidst hardships and obstacles make good fodder for any tragic biography.