The Village

With a lot of tradition and local values, we have a very sentimental film with an arc of the rise of the main character YUU KATAYAMA (Ryusei Yokohama) who is arrested for an alleged crime that his father committed and the debts of his mother who is addicted to gambling and drinking. Depressed, quiet, stooped and sad YUU working as a recycler sees his life change when his childhood friend MISAKI (Haru Kuroki) returns to Kamon village to be director of the company. Between passions, betrayals and secrets we see the value of those who stay or those who try to live outside the village, we see the value of keeping a lie to remain someone important to the village but it is the same lie that took away the honor of your father, like a criminal throughout YUU's life in the small town. The plans and cuts very well fitted and creative, we know well when we are in the present or in the past in flashbacks, scenes of a very strong fight, in sequence with little notable cuts, we can feel the punches much better than in boxing movies, good performances, very sentimental cries. A realistic film that strangely puts us in a breathing hole in the middle of the rubbish recycling site and doesn't explain anything to us. And that starts with his ending, but I believe it wasn't necessary, and MISAKI's ending was a little poorly explained. But it's a good film with photography without vibrant colors that passes the local sadness, good direction, not so much in editing, but great performances. Very sentimental cries. A realistic film that strangely puts us in a breathing hole in the middle of the rubbish recycling site and doesn't explain anything to us. And that starts with his ending, but I believe it wasn't necessary, and MISAKI's ending was a little poorly explained. But it's a good film with photography without vibrant colors that passes the local sadness, good direction, not so much in editing, but great performances. Very sentimental cries. A realistic film that strangely puts us in a breathing hole in the middle of the rubbish recycling site and doesn't explain anything to us. And that starts with his ending, but I believe it wasn't necessary, and MISAKI's ending was a little poorly explained. But it's a good film with photography without vibrant colors that passes the local sadness, good direction, not so much in editing, but great performances.

What a good surprise this drama from Japan, showing moving characters and relationship for a plot involving modern problems related to ecology. The main character is very interesting, I would say he is stealing the show, this poor guy for whom you fell the greatest empathy. Of course it can be seen as a slow motion story, and not necessarily understood my western countries audiences. A gloomy portrait of the today Japan maybe? A beautiful love story between this young man and his childhood girlfriend, gripping relationship. I am happy to have seen this movie, there should be more like this one, at least available in Europe, because I am sure there are plenty of them in distributors vaults around the world.

"VILLAGE" is a Japanese movie that explores the intricate layers of rural life and the struggles faced by its inhabitants. Directed by Michito,the movie explores into a thought-provoking narrative set in a picturesque village, offering a glimpse into the challenges, emotions, and relationships that shape the lives of its characters that disappears in name of modernization,amid withholding it's culture... "VILLAGE" explores several themes that resonate with both Japanese and international audiences,which are interrelated with emotions and betrayal layered with some breathtaking screenplay and camera work.

The performances in "VILLAGE" are commendable, with the cast delivering nuanced portrayals that breathe life into the characters. The actors' ability to convey a range of emotions, from joy and sorrow to hope and despair, adds depth and authenticity to the storytelling... Overall watch it if ur fan of slow burn movies which has a hard hitting climax and melancholic indepth feeling that breaks u part for a day or two...

This is definitely a far superior film from director Michihito Fujii compared to his later one, Parades (both currently on Netflix).

I watched Parades first, and found it contrived and empty, filled with common uninteresting cliches, with annoyingly patronising music that attempts to force the viewers emotions.

The Village, on the other hand, has properly developed characters, and more scenes that allow viewers to meaningfully breathe and imbibe them without shoving it down their throats with contrived dialogue and cliched demeaning musical scores, although there were still some - but at a more tolerable level.

For instance, the scene in Parades with the 'spirits' parading/walking around was laughably bad; while the scene in The Village with people silently parading with Noi masks on were impactfully done.

I am bemused how the same director could deliver films with such a contrast with the earlier one mature and nicely understated, while the later one amateurish and contrived.

Acting in The Village was also evenly good with both minor and major characters, whereas the acting abilities in Parades were very uneven amongst the actors.

Obviously I'd recommend The Village but not Parades.

As "Village" (2023 release from Japan; 121 min) opens,, we are introduced to a guy named Yu, living in a remote Japanese village. He is working in a waste facility where illegal dumping takes place regularly. Then one day Yu's childhood friend Misaki returns to the the village after having spent 10 years in Tokyo. At this point we are less than 15 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the latest from writer-director Michihito Fuji ("The Journalist"). Here he assesses the life of a twenty-something guy living in pretty leak circumstances. I don't wan to say more about the plot so as not to spoil. I will simply comment that this is marketed as a "thriller" but it's really like like that. The movie is more of an emotional slowburner. Pay attention to the beautiful local Japanese theater play where everyone wears the same mask. I must say I wasn't really familiar with this style and kind of theater. Bottom line: this movie is definitely worth checking out even if it's not the most engaging of movies. Please note that, contrary to many listings of this as "The Village", the correct title is "Village" as noted in the movie's opening credits.

"Village" premiered on Netflix in mid-June, and I just got around to watching it the other night. If you are in the mood for an emotional slowburner from Japan, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.