SIFF 2015 - Snow on the Blades
After a blah morning (fire alarm!), I went to my first SIFF film of the season, a Japanese film called "Snow on the Blades".
In 1854 Japan was forced open to trade by the U.S.
Inevitably, there would be losers.
This is the story of a samuari who failed in his duty in the last days of the Shoganate, and how he spends the next 12 years trying to correct that error. But it is really justified?
This film is beatifully shot, and has great compassion for its characters, especially the women. But, while the director (who was there) says it was a gentle film, and he hopes it wouldn't put us to sleep, there was no chance of that. These were very well-rounded characters. At least one scene cause spontainious applause. It's not your typical samurai bloodbath. It's a lot better.
I do not think I will not see a better film this festival. You're on notice, SIFF. The bar has been raised.
In 1854 Japan was forced open to trade by the U.S.
Inevitably, there would be losers.
This is the story of a samuari who failed in his duty in the last days of the Shoganate, and how he spends the next 12 years trying to correct that error. But it is really justified?
This film is beatifully shot, and has great compassion for its characters, especially the women. But, while the director (who was there) says it was a gentle film, and he hopes it wouldn't put us to sleep, there was no chance of that. These were very well-rounded characters. At least one scene cause spontainious applause. It's not your typical samurai bloodbath. It's a lot better.
I do not think I will not see a better film this festival. You're on notice, SIFF. The bar has been raised.