Fuchi ni tatsu

I expected this to be better. With an almost 7/10 IMDB rating and 84/100 Metascore, i had high expectations. But i was mildly disappointed. It's by no means a bad movie, actors did a very good job, story was interesting, there were some exciting twists and i was very curious to see where it goes. It started slow but as it was progressing, pace got better and there was not a boring minute during the second part.

However, i needed more explanations. I appreciate Japanese subtlety/terseness, it's not like i want for the movies to spoonfed me, but the ending was too abrupt and unsatisfying. I won't say much in order to avoid spoilers but i didn't watch a 2 hours heavy drama for an ending like this. As another reviewer said, this movie almost feels unfinished.

And i didn't get convinced about the motives of one character. The whole movie is based upon unstable foundation. This character could do a lot of things in order to satisfy their unresolved issues. This specific action makes no sense.

So, i don't recommend it but i can say it's a good movie which many cinephiles will like it, even love it.

This is definitely a movie where you are better off not knowing much ahead of time. I recommend caution in reading reviews of this one.

The focus here is on a family: young daughter, overprotective mom, distant disengaged husband. The husband takes in a mysterious lodger without consulting his wife. That's really all you should know in advance.

If you particularly appreciate a movie that goes in unexpected directions, this film is for you. If you are interested in how relationships change under stress, this film is recommended. It is perhaps a bit long and occasionally a bit repetitive, but it is definitely worth seeing. You'll think about it a lot afterwards.

A very interesting original screenplay written by a director.

A new perspective of crime and punishment. A grey perspective. Definitely one of the most interesting films I have watched in 2017 though the direction is not outstanding. Deserving of the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes.

Good performances and symbolism (Lady-Macbeth-like washing of hands, white bedsheets and ghost images).

The movie "Harmonium" has a beautiful plot and tells the story of how a harmonious traditional Japanese family is broken by the actions of the past. The director and writer Kôji Fukada leaves the story open for the spectator to decide and assume plot events, i.e. Was it a case of revenge?, what did really happen to the daughter? The ending seems a bit easy escape to complete the cycle, it should be more creative and better thought.

The fine treatment of the direction and the perfect performances of the actors make this film another great surprise from the current Japanese cinema. Highly recommended.

"Harmonium" is a Drama movie in which we watch a man who just released from prison starts living and working for a family. His presence there will change the balance of the family and problems that need to be solved will occur.

I found the movie interesting despite that it was a bit slow. The plot was simple but very interesting and the direction which was made by Kôji Fukada who is also the writer, it was very good and he presented very well both the plot and his main characters from different aspects. This had as a result to better understand them and relate to them in some occasions. The interpretations of Mariko Tsutsui who played as Akié, Tadanobu Asano who played as Yasaka and Kanji Furutachi who played as Toshio were equally good. All in all, I have to say that "Harmonium" is an interesting movie and you will understand it if you just give it some time and be patient.