I actually got a ticket to go watch it at the Melbourne International Film Festival but couldn't go cause I had a horrible cough so I'm happy After the Storm is finally out on the internet. Anyone who has seen a Koreeda knows what to expect; an intimate family story where the pacing is slow and nothing really happens and there is a lot of reading between the lines.
Abe Hiroshi is a divorced dad who once won a prize for his novel but is now working at a detective agency doing research for his next novel and doing dodgy things. He is a gambling addict who is constantly borrowing money from family and colleagues is behind in his child support payments to his wife played by Maki Yoko. Abe spends his weekends spying on his ex wife and son and is concerned that she is seeing another man.
After Like Father Like Son and Our Little Sister which had a lot more story and pacing compared to your usual Koreeda fare, After the Storm is a slow look at Abe's character and his relationships with his family.
To be honest, After the Storm has not as engrossing as Still Walking and I really do get in my head what he is going for; its about this divorced family coming to terms with their situation and exploring the father and son theme up but I'm not feeling it in my heart. Meh and only for the Koreeda diehards.
3 comments:
I really enjoyed the detective parts of this movie... Can you recommend any dramas along those lines?
@Anon: You mean the following people into love hotels to get proof of cheating?
I think the show you are looking for is River's Edge Okawabata Tanteisha.
Yep exactly... I found the stuff with Abe driving around, sitting in cars, following people etc. was more interesting than the central plot with his ex-wife. Not that it was a bad movie at all. I'll check out that recommendation.
Btw Thank you for all the great writing on this blog. Discerning opinions about jdramas are few and far between and yours have immensely helped this newcomer.
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