Yes the film is long and requires a commitment (less so streaming or like myself via a library DVD). I thought it was immensely worth it, you develop a strong sense of the four lead characters, characters that might be glossed over in other films (if not Japanese society?!?)
At times, I think the filmmaker indulges in long scenes, there is a sort of self-help meets yoga class that in many other films would have been cut to 3 mins, but here it must have been 30 mins and did feel interminable at times as a viewer, as it might have felt if I unfortunately had attended one. It built tension for the scene afterwards where more relaxed conversation takes place, and yet not without its own edginess.
Later there is a book reading that feels the same way but builds up opposing forces for a post-reading interview. The length of time spent on these scenes, helps put you into actresses lives.
That said, the real immersion comes with some of the dialog between just the actresses. That sharp juxtaposition of civil surface but biting truth beneath it, was pretty fascinating to me.
But mostly, I think of scenes of the women usually alone in some form of transportation, where they do leave some aspect of themselves behind. Boat, subway and especially that scene with Rira Kawamura as Jun on the bus after that interesting discussion with another passenger. Jun alone and the lighting exudes hope flashing across her, even as she is in isolation away from the quartet.
Any ways, the movie was moving for me. Even if like a long car trip, you find yourself wondering "are we there yet" the ride is really what it was all about.
I do like Hamaguchi's battle against the rushed jump-cut style of cinema.....and of life as well!
At times, I think the filmmaker indulges in long scenes, there is a sort of self-help meets yoga class that in many other films would have been cut to 3 mins, but here it must have been 30 mins and did feel interminable at times as a viewer, as it might have felt if I unfortunately had attended one. It built tension for the scene afterwards where more relaxed conversation takes place, and yet not without its own edginess.
Later there is a book reading that feels the same way but builds up opposing forces for a post-reading interview. The length of time spent on these scenes, helps put you into actresses lives.
That said, the real immersion comes with some of the dialog between just the actresses. That sharp juxtaposition of civil surface but biting truth beneath it, was pretty fascinating to me.
But mostly, I think of scenes of the women usually alone in some form of transportation, where they do leave some aspect of themselves behind. Boat, subway and especially that scene with Rira Kawamura as Jun on the bus after that interesting discussion with another passenger. Jun alone and the lighting exudes hope flashing across her, even as she is in isolation away from the quartet.
Any ways, the movie was moving for me. Even if like a long car trip, you find yourself wondering "are we there yet" the ride is really what it was all about.
I do like Hamaguchi's battle against the rushed jump-cut style of cinema.....and of life as well!