Most of Gus Van Sant's movies have focused either on marginalized people (My Own Private Idaho, Good Will Hunting) or political issues (Milk, Promised Land). "The Sea of Trees" is a new turn for him. Matthew McConaughey plays a man who goes to Japan's Aokigahara - aka Suicide Forest - with the aim of ending his life, only to meet a man (Ken Watanabe) who has his own story.
This movie is not a masterpiece, but is an interesting story in its own right. In addition to the flashbacks showing events with the main character and his wife (Naomi Watts), I like the cinematography in the forest. These two men have a lot to deal with in this forest, but their experiences force them to persevere.
So, while it's far from Van Sant's best movie, I still recommend it. I don't understand why it got booed at the Cannes Film Festival.
This movie is not a masterpiece, but is an interesting story in its own right. In addition to the flashbacks showing events with the main character and his wife (Naomi Watts), I like the cinematography in the forest. These two men have a lot to deal with in this forest, but their experiences force them to persevere.
So, while it's far from Van Sant's best movie, I still recommend it. I don't understand why it got booed at the Cannes Film Festival.