Life is not always as we planned when we were children. And today’s recommended movie speaks very well about that. After the Storm (Umi yori mo mada fukaku) is yet another film directed by the master of Japanese cinema Hirokazu Koreeda.
A simple film with a deep theme. I talk about it more in the video below:
Table of Contents
Synopsis of After the Storm
Japan is about to receive the 23rd typhoon of the year. The matriarch Yoshiko, an elderly woman who lives alone, receives a visit from two children who usually do not come to her house: Ryota, a failed writer still suffering from divorce and risking himself by doing detective gigs, and the eldest daughter, who tries to set an example for the family but also has her problems. Together, they await the arrival of the typhoon and remember the recent death of the father and husband.
What makes this movie special?
After the Storm manages to do something that few films can. It makes you empathize with the characters, from Ryota’s little son to the matriarch Yoshiko. And that gives the impression that they are all characters taken directly from real life, and we, the spectators, are following their lives as if we were intruders.
The script, also written by Hirokazu Koreeda, allows everyone in the film to have a chance to shine and show how they are affected by the main character of the film, the failed Ryota.
It’s hard to talk about what happens in the film without giving the infamous spoilers, but what I can say is that actor Hiroshi Abe (Ryota) manages to create in us a sense of pity that makes us root for him even while he does wrong things, such as spending his salary betting on races instead of paying the bills and child support.
Conclusion about the movie After the Storm
After the Storm is a film that will make you think about what you want from life and how your actions affect others. All of this brings the customs of Japanese culture to enrich the story.
If you are one of those people who enjoy fast-paced or overly emotional films, After the Storm may not be ideal for you. Even if you are not interested in the theme, I recommend taking a look at the film anyway. The settings, characters, and situations are definitely worth checking out.
Leave a Reply