Still Walking (The Criterion Collection) (2008)

Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda has made some terrific, understated dramas. Emotional, heartfelt, and real--Kore-eda's films capture true moments without ever descending into theatrics, melodrama, or false sentimentality. His "Nobody Knows," a decidedly bleak story of child abandonment, might have been a very different and over-the-top horror show had Kore-eda not nailed it with a quiet intensity and remarkable realism. But as much as I admired "Nobody Knows," and "After Life" for that matter, I think that my personal favorite is "Still Walking." And I'm thrilled that this understated gem is getting the Criterion stamp so more people will experience this lovely film. Perhaps the most realistic and intimate portrait of a family gathering ever put on film, "Still Walking" perfectly captures all the nuances that make families tick. Tender, funny, frustrating--all the love and obligations that bring people together share space with the disappointments and misunderstandings that drive them apart.

This is not a plot focused narrative, but rather a character driven sociological examination of a typical family unit. Marking the anniversary of the death of their son, a elderly couple are joined by their other grown children for an annual ritual of respect. Their daughter, with whom they share a close relationship, is on hand to assist in the preparations with her husband and two children. But much of the event centers around the return of the other son (Ryota) accompanied by his new wife and stepson. Ryota is a wayward soul who has lived in the shadow of his dead brother and he dreads these visits home. Much of the movie takes place over cooking or over dining with shared jokes, reminiscences, and familial banter. But even as the participants fall into their usual roles, they have evolved as well and must adopt to the subtle differences that the years bring.

The terrific screenplay is so amazingly real--I truly felt as if I were eavesdropping on an actual family get-together. Funny and thoughtful, "Still Walking" strikes a perfect balance. Hiroshi Abe is spot-on as Ryota, perhaps the most demanding role. Ryota's complicated relationship with his stubborn father provides the most intense drama. But everyone is so good and believable here--from the sweet but scattered mother to the chatty accommodating sister to the peacemaker new wife. It's a lovely ensemble. I was thoroughly captivated by "Still Walking." If I had one negative, and it's a slight one, the film misses a natural conclusion and adds a scene that (while sweet) seemed a beat too much.

The film gets a new high def digital transfer as well as new interviews with Kore-eda and the director of photography. There's also a "making of" featurette. But, in an inspired bit of whimsy, recipes from the food in the film are included in the traditional Criterion essay booklet. It's an unusual, but fitting, homage to the film as the meals are the core of any gathering! No joke, though, I went into this film with absolutely no preconceived notions and I loved it. If you like intimate, well scripted, family drama--I hope you will too! KGHarris, 12/10.

Many elements that are supposed to be in a good movie aren't here ... nothing happens, no one changes, life remains the same for all the characters. And yet ... this movie is brilliant. It is one day in the life (with a brief epilogue) of a family that's not much different from any other family -Japanese or otherwise. There are no big, dramatic moments, things are revealed elliptically -it might seem slow moving at first, but one soon adapts to its pace. If you liked Kore-eda's previous films, I guarantee you'll like this one.

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I really enjoyed this movie for what is was; a slice of ordinary life. This is a film whose story is told in the quiet moments of life, a film in which you must read in between the lines to fully understand. If you aren't in a contemplative mood it may be a little slow at times, but upon reflection the pace of the movie mirrors the type of family life being depicted perfectly.

I will admit, for much of the film I found myself enjoying it...yet in the back of my mind, wishing for some sort of major conflict or plot point to spice things up. That being said, I don't think that would have been appropriate and would have cheapened the deeper story being softly told in the film. The theme which is related mostly to family, loss, and ageing is best told in the gracefully slow and meditative manner in which this film presents it. Again, I must make a point to recommend watching this movie when you are in a contemplative mood, as you will get much more out of it in that state.

This is a perfect example of film as anti-escapism. Certain people watch movies to get their minds off of life...Hollywood blockbusters which focus more on special effects than character development are a perfect example of this. The idea is to 'shut off your mind and have a good time'...and there's nothing wrong with that. However, I find a film which speaks to the deeper issues in life infinitely more valuable. Still Walking is such a movie...it grows better and better upon reflection.

4/5

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Seemingly inspired by Yasujiro Ozu's Tokyo Story, this film is masterfully written, directed, photographed and acted.

The audience is a witness to a very simple gathering of a family to commemorate a brother and son's untimely death.

It is minimalistic in its direction and yet acutely aware of its details. Dialogue flows effortlessly as if it were never scripted. The characters' emotions are held behind Japanese culture of modesty and humility. The characters are petty, silly, begrudging and sad. They all struggle with emotions that are universal to all families.

The pacing is perfect but some may find it slow. This isn't a hollywood movie. There are no fights, no blood, no gore, no profanity and no sex. Audiences are free to interpret their emotional reactions and never feel like your being manipulated. We don't see a build of emotion and a final cathartic explosion that leads to a happy ending. It's much more realistic than our usual main-stream family drama fare. Some scenes can make one viewer sad while another might smile wistfully.

It is beautiful in its honesty. It is poignant while remaining unpretentious.

Beyond using the word bittersweet, the only other way I can describe the feeling this movie gave me was the feeling you get when you hold back your tears. It's like crying through a smile.

I can fully understand why some may find this film exceptionally boring but I couldn't look away. I was entranced. The beautiful cinematography, the human characters and the soft and simple musical score worked their magic around me and didn't let go.

It's a visual poem.

Want Still Walking (The Criterion Collection) (2008) Discount?

This is a modern version of Ozu's Tokyo Story (The Criterion Collection). If you haven't watched that old film, it is a family drama, in which grown-up children come back to visit their parents. "Still Walking" has exactly the same theme. It is an absolutely brilliant film if you are interested in this kind of film. I liked the film because it deals with expressed emotions, interpreted emotions, and true emotions. First thing to note is that it is very difficult to read the true emotions based on the expressed emotions. Second thing to note is that the Japanese have trouble interpreting the emotions of the other people as well. So it is not just a Westerner which have trouble with this. Even though, naturally, it doesn't get any easier if you don't know the culture. I'm not going to say more about the film. Just buy it and watch it.

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