Snerting

It's a search-for-lost-love romantic drama set in 1969 London, England, and March 1980 in London and Japan, with a few scenes between those dates. Kristófer (Palmi Kormakur/Egill Ólafsson) is an elderly widower in Iceland facing increasingly fragile health just as the Covid outbreak is arriving in 2020. He leaves for London to search for a Japanese woman, Miko (Koki/Yoki Narahashi), whom he met in London in 1969 while dropping out of graduate school at the London School of Economics as a frustrated political radical.

We see Kristófer's 2020 search for Miko interspersed with scenes in 1969 when he worked initially as a dishwasher in a restaurant owned by Miko's widowed father, Takahashi-san (Masahiro Motoki). The film's 1969 scenes follow Kristófer's increasing fascination with Japanese culture, and more particularly with Miko. Their relationship grows until Takahashi-san and Miko suddenly disappear. By "Touch's" end, we learn the reasons for Miko's disappearance that stretch back to World War II.

I loved this movie, partly because I've always been a hopeless romantic. But "Touch" brings together so much from cross-cultural love, the struggle to understand never-before-seen illnesses, and the power of remembering first loves. "Touch" (a recurring visual theme between lovers) perhaps has a bit too neat an ending, but it was all very satisfying. I came close to giving it a 10.

Kristofer has limited time and ventures into the world to care for some unfinished business. With a potential global pandemic and the looming threat of countries going into lockdown, he ventures back to his old stomping grounds of London to search for Miko, a woman he loves. While revisiting the places of his youth, he relives a simpler time and what led him to a love he could never forget. Following leads and reconnecting with old friends, Kristofer hopes to feel the romance and love of Miko once again.

This beautiful love story spans decades, cultures, and historical moments. Although the story seems simple initially, it has a few twists and turns as it unfolds through flashbacks. The story is told at a slow pace, in multiple languages, and does stretch a bit. The story also gives a unique perspective of a survivor of the atomic bombing of Japan. Most WWII stories usually do not share much of the aftermath that the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki experienced. The story shares more of the Japanese culture than Icelandic culture. This is a fantastic film and a unique watch for date night or anyone looking to experience multiple feelings simultaneously.

The acting was great by the young and old actors. The pacing was really good. I was worried by the fact the movies constantly jumps between present and past, but I was able to follow without issue most of the times. The story flows very well, and I never lost interest over the 2 hours timeframe. It has a solid conclusion where a few questions are still ligering, but not major to main plotline. It felt like I just followed a old man following his footsteps in a very wholesome journey, and he went through lots of things. The soundtrack in the movie is minimal which I appreciate. I never heard icelandic before. Also, this movie inspiries you to learn a language which is great for those trying to learn a new language.

This is another heartwarming movie telling the eternal story of boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy meets girl again. You could also call it "Rekindled love in the age of Covid". An absolute gem. Beautiful story, great casting and acting, awesome score. Just an overall satisfying movie with real people doing real things. No superheroes, no car chases, no explosions, just real life with the two main protagonists being from different cultures and the atom bomb on Hiroshima playing a major role. Skip all the brainless drivel Hollywood serves up all Summer and enjoy this understated heart-breaking feel-good movie.

I'm actually surprised there weren't any reviews for this film yet. It has a high score on Rotten Tomatoes.

I am not a very good writer the way other reviews are written, so I'll keep it simple: As you can gather from the trailer, this is a story about an Icelandic man who appears to be reaching a point in his life where he wants to perhaps tie up some loose ends, which included searching for his long lost love. The love affair was set in the rebellious 60s, and featured the younger Kristoffer looking for a job in London while he was still studying abroad from his Icelandic home. He picked a Japanese restaurant because of the help wanted sign outside, but as he was leaving, he saw the restaurant owners daughter and decided he really wanted to work there haha. Well, you can't blame him, Miko, played by the very attractive Koki, has wonderful charisma, and she gave him that second look as she walked away lol. Well, you can sort of guess what happens with the whole dating the boss/father's daughter behind his back, then it's discovered. So the elder Kristoffer was hoping to reconnect with his lost love.

The movie is presented in chronological order, but it jumps back and forth between the present and past. We also get insight into certain stigmatisms that Japanese society can have, and how that affects one's upbringing and destiny.

Overall, it was a very well made film. I found all the actors (the younger and elder versions) very engaging. I was thinking at first this movie was about the young man becoming a better cook at the restaurant, but it's really about the relationship between Kristoffer and Miko.

And if you're worried that there's some sort of over the top, tragic ending, I can't spoil it for you - but you don't have to worry about that.

I hope more people go out to see this film and lend their better writing skills to reviewing this film and hopefully appreciation of it!