Still The Water, film review: Japanese coming-of-age drama is worth persevering with
(15) Naomi Kawase, 119 mins. Starring: Nijirô Murakami, Jun Yoshinaga, Miyuki Matsuda
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.This is a slow-burning, very Japanese coming-of-age drama. The contemplative approach is off-putting at first but the film is worth persevering with. Once you settle in to its rhythm, the storytelling becomes ever more beguiling.
The main characters are teenagers Kaito (Nijirô Murakami) and Kyoko (Jun Yoshinaga), growing up on a sub-tropical island. The film has barely started when they see a tattooed corpse washed up on the shore. Kaito's parents are separated and he has a grudge against his mother for splitting up the family. Kyoko's mom, meanwhile, has fallen ill.
Every emotion the young characters feel is reflected in the natural world around them. The director Naomi Kawase gives us a few too many poetic shots of banyan trees, waves beating down on the pier or Kyoko swimming underwater like a dolphin but the film is beautifully crafted. It has a delicacy and lyricism about it that you will never find in any Hollywood movie about troubled youth.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments