Aru otoko

The movie explores the concept of individual identity. What's in a name? Almost all of us have at some point in time or the other have contemplated what it might be like to be a different person. In the sense of having a different name, being born in a different family, having a different occupation, etc. I like to view this movie as an exploration of this very concept. While the protagonist explores the "real" identity of the mystery character, I think he is exploring his own identity in the process.

Please be warned that the movie, in typical Japanese manner, might be considered "slow" to viewers not accustomed to Japanese cinema. Hence, a certain level of patience is required. It's worth the watch if you are in the mood of such a movie.

I watched it at CIFF, and it's one of the best films that has shown at the festival. I like the story line and how it reflects the inner conflicts with the identity. The things that I disliked that the scenario is too direct to reflect the theme, sometimes as an observer, i need something to think about. I don't like the spoon in my mouth technique. Also, there was a lot of irrational coincidence that makes no sense, you could've made the plot without it in a perfect way. In addition to the end, however the very end was fabulous, but it take so long to end the film, we kept moving from an end/ scene to another and we are thinking that this is absolutely the end but noooo there's much more.

First of all, it's mislabelled as a "DRAMA/MYSTERY/ROMANCE" movie. There is not much romance here and the mystery element is not that intriguing. This is a drama, period. Easy to follow, no ambiguity, good actors. It's not a bad movie for sure, and if you are in the mood for watching a drama movie, you will enjoy it.

However, it should have been at least 20 minutes shorter. The story is not so interesting for a 2 hours movie. At times, it's boring. Had it been shorter and better edited, this could be recommendable. Even so, it's a good movie for a patient viewer. But there are far better movies addressing identity issues.

If i cared more about these specific characters, i would have rated it higher. Problem is, even their struggles seemed dull to me.