Your Name (Shinkai, 2016): Mini-Film Review

Your Name (Shinkai, 2016), the highest grossing anime film to date, maintains its charm on the first viewing because it withholds key narrative information--the way it's high school characters are linked despite differences in time and space is mystifying. So, there's no wonder why the film intrigued audiences initially, for it's fun to see how all the pieces fit together. Of course, the film appeals on other levels too: the universal awkward experiences of adolescence, captivating artwork (especially a stunning dream sequence, the highlight of the film), and catchy pop music. I'm fascinated by the ways the film initially attracted young Japanese audiences. It reminds me of other film phenomenons such as Cape No. 7 (Wei, 2008) in Taiwan which retained it's staying power via word of mouth/social media and the formation of communities of viewers who return to the film multiple times.

35 Shots of Rum (Denis, 2008): Mini-Film Review

35 Shots of Rum (2008), directed by Claire Denis, depicts a father-daughter bond in today's Paris. The father, a widower, is a subway driver who returns from work each night looking forward to the simple pleasure of having dinner with his daughter, a college anthropology student. The film reminds one of Biutiful (Iñárritu, 2010), as it traces the lives of residents in a European metropolis, yet it's pacing is in line with an Ozu film. On first glance, one might feel that little happens in the story; yet the diurnal rhythms on display here open up an entire psychological world worth reflection.

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Actor Alex Descas and director Claire Denis at the 65th Venice Film Festival