After
The Storm (2016/Film Movement Blu-ray)
Picture:
B+ Sound: B+ Extras: B Film: B
All
his life, Ryota (Abe Hiroshi) has been chasing his dreams that seem
all but realistic. He works as a failed writer and as part time
detective... but the only thing he won't give up on is to still be a
good father to his son. Due to a typhoon, he finds himself spending
the night with his ex-wife, son at his mother's house, and together
for one night ...they are family again in Hirokazu Kore-eda's After
The Storm
(2017).
Ryota
was also once a one-hit-novelist, but now he mostly works as a 3rd
rate detective helping blackmail various client's cheating husbands
and wives, plus has also a bit of a spending and gambling habit, he
is always short on money and he ends up borrowing money from friends
and family or at the pawn shop. Yet, he still wants to be a father
to his son and will do anything to help him and his dreams and while
his family relationships are estranged, they seem to come to an
understanding (and acceptance) that's how life just is. When a
typhoon hits, they find themselves trapped at Hiroshi's mother's
home, but for one night they are able talk and share, to forget work,
their troubles and positions in life ...and for one night they are a
family again.
This
film is a reflection of the modern family, it is a tale that is told
too often despite how well it is done here. What it means to work,
chase a dream or even having a family, however like reality they all
fall short expectations. Husbands and wives living in the modern
time are all too familiar with the working divorced single parent
family, it also shows what modern living Japan is like with the small
apartments. Yoko Maki and Kirin Kiki also star.
The
1080p 1.85 X 1 digital High definition image is solid, fine,
consistent, smooth and very watchable, while the DTS-HD MA (Master
Audio) 5.1 mix is the image's equal with a clean, clear mix that is
as well recorded as it is produced and engineered. Extras include
bonus short film: The Last Dream, a making of the film
featurette and trailers.
-
Ricky Chiang
