Otokotachi no uta

I have only seen the segment 'Iron', directed by Hiroyuki Nakano, which screened as a separate short on the SBS TV series 'Shorts On Screen'. This quietly beautiful short shows one man's obsession with smooth surfaces and clean cuts. A young yakuza continually irons a number of items - shirts, folded paper - going to extreme lengths to achieve absolute perfection. We see various flashbacks, which help hint as to why the man is such a perfectionist. Director Nakano intelligently shows the two sides of human nature, the quick, messy consequences of violence (even the way the young man reacts after killing an insect), and the hard work in trying to achieve a smooth, peaceful existence. Exquisitely photographed and edited, making for deliberately paced but involving viewing. Proves that Nakano is a genuine talent, whether it be a short or a feature film. For further proof please see his film 'Samurai Fiction'.