Hapinesu

SABU's heartwrenching drama/thriller about a man with a "happiness helmet" who arrives in a sleepy town to help the residents by making them remember their happiest moments using said helmet. It's a slow, meditative film that uses sharp turns in its narrative to surprise the viewer, and it does so in a very controlled, precise manner. Alternately dreamy and violent, it's a remarkable achievement on an obviously limited budget that is able to make you think deeply about memories (both happy and sad) and their effect on a person's life. It slots nicely into SABU's newer filmography with the likes of Mr. Long and My Blood and Bones In a Flowing Galaxy as another film that challenges the viewer emotionally and intellectually, but avoids flashy techniques to get its point across.

Very much recommended if you manage to find it.

In this movie the gimmick is a helmet which allows one to re-experience memories.

The movie starts out very light, even sweet, then things dramatically take a turn in a completely different direction.

Beware there is some brutally violent imagery in this film.

The main character plays his part in a perfectly controlled way which makes emotional outbursts even more dramatic. Very Japanese.

I thought it was strange but very good.