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Oinaru fuzai

Original language title: Oinaru fuzai

Year: 2023

Running time: 152

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28568332/reference/

Chris says: “Shot by Yutaka Yamazaki, who has served as cinematographer on Hirokazu Kore-eda films from AFTER LIFE to AFTER THE STORM, this second feature from director Kei Chika-ura is often Kore-eda Lite, although what’s missing is the supple touch the veteran filmmaker usually suffuses his work with. It doesn’t lack ambition, though—this is a puzzle film of sorts, utilizing flashbacks and abrupt temporal shifts in piecing together the dramatic, present-day action occurring in the film’s first scene. The structure requires active viewing and ample patience from the viewer, but the reveals often end up not resonating in relation to the amount of effort built into them.

“Fortunately, the acting just about saves it: Tatsuya Fuji, whom some might remember from IN THE REALM OF THE SENSES gives a tremendous and sincere portrayal of someone suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease without ever showing off while Mirai Moriyama (primarily known as a dancer rather than an actor) and Hideko Hara (SHALL WE DANCE) both hold their own as his son and wife, respectively. Although dense and overlong, Chika-ura exhibits enough skill and inspiration that I wouldn’t mind revisiting this to see if I missed anything. 3 cats
“Screened at TIFF 2023; no US distribution yet.”
Great Absence

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