za_kannushi

Movies set in an academic world are few and far between. This kind of setting may seem a bit too dry. But there are many intrigues going on in academic circles. Professors fighting each other for titles and recognition as much as executives in business circles or lawyers in law circles.

In "Moving Up", the debut feature by Danish director Christian Dyekjær, an associate professor in Psychology applies for an opening as a professor, but a colleague of his applies for the same job. The two of them compete for the title by sucking up to the head of faculty while they try to keep up appearances as serious and sensitive intellectuals.

This film doesn't reach the full potential of the premise. "Moving Up" is poking fun at intellectuals playing childish games to get the respect of their peers. But most of the time, it is just a depressingly realistic portrayal of academic circles. It feels more like a tragedy than a comedy. It could use a lot more laughs and caricature to lighten up the grim mood.

Perhaps the real problem of the film is the length of it. While it only lasts 90 minutes, it feels too long-winded and a bit trite. We never leave the offices of the main characters. While this gives us a sense of how limited and isolated the world of the main characters is, it also makes us want to leave it.

Considering that it is a debut feature made on a low budget, "Moving Up" is a decent film. But the filmmakers got lost somewhere on the borderline between comedy and tragedy.

I agree with what most posters say about this movie. Yes, the film does not show any of the real horrors of the country. What it shows is what the North Korean government would allow, and nothing else.

But the film also gives a rare insight into the (few) people whose lives in some ways can be compared to the lives of people in other countries. But where we have film stars, pop singers, authors, intellectuals and other role models that present us with diversified views on life, they (the affluent minority) have only one philosophy, and that is Kim Jong Il. They have no alternative religions, politics, philosophies, myths, icons, legends, thoughts or anything else.

What is interesting about the film is that it gives us an insight into the lives of those who are relatively well off in a totalitarian regime. And it is clear that the movie is made by people who do not live in that same regime. The filmmakers look at the human, 'weak' side of these people instead of just showing these people as role models. The North Korean government would see these people as becoming a glorious unified whole during these games. We see them as robots and slaves to a corrupt regime that doesn't care about them.

It is like British people visiting and making documentaries about the Nazi-devotees in the late 30s Germany. We know what is going on behind the scene, but the devotion and naivety shown by the people on screen is almost just as frightening, since these people could be ourselves under similar circumstances.

This beautiful fairy tale from the shabby quarters of Osaka instantly became one of my favorite flicks of all time when I went to see at at the premiere at Cinequinto in Shibuya on a cold December afternoon in 2003. The cold and noisy streets of Shibuya contrasted the warmth of the cinema and the pleasant music played by Quruli during the credits.

Tsuneo is an easygoing guy who casually sleeps around with girls, works at the local Mahjong Parlour and generally drifts around. A typical Japanese college kid. That is until he literally bumps into Joze. A physically disabled girl who is pushed around in a baby carriage by an old lady (who sleeps at the dinner table throughout most of the movie). Tsuneo is intrigued by this beautiful and surprisingly intelligent young girl. Joze is sarcastic and defensive, but in a very charming manner, and Tsuneo soon becomes a regular visitor at the old lady's shabby house. But is it possible for a guy such as Tsuneo to commit himself to a very special girl such as Joze?

Chizuru Ikewaki's performance as Joze is really extraordinary. The sarcasm and witty remarks mixes really well with her Osaka-dialect and her eccentric exterior, and yet we sense a very sweet and vulnerable girl underneath her shell. Satoshi Tsumabuki also does his job quite well as Tsuneo. The chemistry and intimacy between the two characters as they grow closer to each feels quite real and convincing, and it is entertaining to just watch them interact casually at the same time.

There are so many details that make this movie entertaining. The kid who glares dumbfounded at a naked girl waves at Tsuneo's little brother. The love hotel that turns into the inside of a virtual aquarium when you turn the lights off. The exceedingly delicious-looking food that Joze casually cooks. All these details make this movie a unique and fun experience.

When the movie was over, I found myself entertained by the comic aspects of the movie, but I was also deeply touched by the love story, that seemed so profound and real. This movie is both a light, romantic comedy as well as an intimate story about two people who develop and evolve through their relationship. In this regard, it is thematically similar to recent films such as "Lost in Translation" (2003), "Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind" (2004) and the Japanese "Vibrator" (2003).

"Joze to tora to sakana tachi" is a rare and unique film experience. I implore you to see it.