reminniese

[reminniese]

Himizu [2011]

This film had such a calm aura.

The plot can seem confusing and strange, but it boils down to an amazing growth and realisation of life. The characters go through very traumatic events, especially after the tsunami that hit Japan. It’s wholesome how they band together and try protect the future of Sumida.

He is the vessel that shows the journey of life changing and ending thoughts. The other characters are goodness in his life that are trying to save him, whilst battling their own difficulties. I got an emotionally empty feeling as I watched this film, the effect is subtle but lasting.

Whatever the director was trying to achieve- I think I experienced it how they wanted. Not all films need a clear plot line or large scale production- but the quality of lines, characters and scenes must be powerful relative to its intention. I believe the journey through the film was like that.

A quote I liked from this was: “You have so many options to choose from. You are sick right now so you only see a few, and you will choose the bad choices right now”.

Not only is this character development from the old gangsta impressive, but I found that a nice way to look at things. Sometimes you aren’t in the right headspace to think clearly or think in a positive light, caused by the many factors we face in everyday life.

Our mind is not well in those moments.

A healthy mind is open, can see in multiple lights and has the ability to see most of the possible choices available, not just the easy ones which could be bad for you.

It takes courage, strength and time to heal your mind, but it is easier when you have good people who don’t give up on you by your side. It is important to have a healthy state of mind so that you can begin to make good choices for your self… and you’re future!

Another thing that I loved was that Chawaza never gave up on Sumida and guided him to make the right choices, like a guardian angel! She was a beautifully written character.

The neighbours were so lively and wholesome- I really cherished how they brought joy and support to the business and Sumida.

They were the family he desperately needed, supporting Sumida into a better place.

They all believed in him; that he was the future and that he would become a respectable adult like he had dreamed.

- 02 Film review by Minnie (2023)

[reminniese]

The Man Who Fell to Earth [1976]

This was one peculiar movie… but what a man Bowie is!

An alien, from a neighbouring planet that has suffered a drought, has landed on Earth to transport water back to his home- to save his wife and children. His otherworldly knowledge leads to an immediate hit in the technology industry… but his plan derails as the human experience gets the best of his ambition.

This had the elements of the classic Icarus Fable. In which they both failed to follow instructions, and thereby failed in their aspirations. I did really like Newton as a character, he was a charming alien making sense of Earthly norms; he was very interesting to observe. His openness to the characters he encountered was wholesome. Seeing how the company became an overnight success with such growth to follow and an exciting journey to watch. There was optimism in his mission, I felt bad when we got to discover his family relentlessly waiting for him :/

But down the whirlpool of humanity a sweet, naive soul can go… there was a lot for him to process and understand during this story. The film doesn’t particularly go into detail on the struggle of his adjustment as an extraterrestrial creature, or how being on Earth takes a physical toll on him. I think that he definitely has his weaknesses. He is experiencing getting close to his goal of raising enough capital for a spaceship- but also the doubt and fear of not being able to go back home and save his planet. Then there’s the complexity of his relationship with Mary-lou, who is a very kind soul that accepts and cares for Newton… but perhaps her attachment is for someone who is odd enough to accept her, so she can’t lose him. Any how, the darn government :/

I still admire the fact Newton was not bitter against the government for doing experiments on him for years after trapping him. It made me sad that he couldn’t go back to his home… ultimately he failed- but deep inside he still has hope that his wife and children will hear his last message through the radio … that is if it makes it to them in the year differences between planets.

Despite being polluted in the end by: defeat, loss, guilt, failure, isolation, confusion, torment of time, betrayal, and alcoholism- he still remained a genuine, humorous, sweet person. "Do you need money? Let me know if you do, will you? I may not see so well anymore, but I still have money". I liked this ending line :) I admire his optimism and forgivingness towards a situation most would be bitter towards. I think it's telling of his character - that his depressive end did not change his attitude towards people. It's quite sad how he never got to accomplish what he optimistically came on Earth to do, it almost felt like everything was done in vain. But I have respect that he doesn't view it so bleakly.

Dr. Bryce had a few lines that I quite liked too: "You see, Mr. Newton, I'm kind of a cliche. I'm the disillusioned scientist, that goes with the cynical writer, the alcoholic actor and the spaced-out spaceman. A man like you wouldn't understand a guy like me" or "Per ardua ad astra. Through difficulties to the stars". There is definitely a merit to this film's writing. The original novel is more widely treasured since it has the time to explore the bare bones of Newton's story and his encounters with the other unique characters. I think that Newton's beginning as a dedicated, alien inventor- then suffering and realising a great deal, led to the poetic end of his unearthly archetype by mirroring a defeated human in his spiral, which speaks a great deal to many people- and perhaps is the kind of story people find an odd sense of consolation in.

It felt like a fever dream while watching and it was as if I was alone on Earth for a few hours. The cinematography had great effect like a daze between time and action. This piece is not one of my favourites and I wouldn't say this film is for everyone either.

It’s peculiarity was not a weakness, but I did not understand the relevance to some parts of the film, or the meaning behind the intended explicitly. I can also see how this film could be confusing to most people, unless you read between the lines of each occurrence. But overall, it was an interesting piece of art to watch, but not the kind of revelation of an experience that I would urge anyone to replicate in their own time.

However, I do appreciate the interpretive nature of the film, the hidden significance of the journey and moral; the writing, the acting and the videography.

This is a work of art in its own right.

- 01 Film review by Minnie (2023)