Path of Dreams

I saw Path of Dreams at a screening and was blown away by the beauty of the film. It is about a poet in the 9th Century in Japan. The movie is a poem. The words are so beautiful and the images, the pace, the acting do total juatice to the words. I wanted more. I probably will buy it when it comes out on video. The director was able to capture the essence of the story and painted a beautiful, enchanting picture. If you have a chance, and if you love beauty and words, go see this movie.

Path of Dreams is nothing short of stunning. An ambitious short film, its scope is epic. Director Tamara Ruppart, utilized the beauty of her Japanese locations to their fullest extent. From the opening sequence in the courtyard of a grand mountain shrine, to the precisely manicured grounds of Japanese gardens, Path of Dreams immerses the audience in a poetic Japanese age. The locations and cinematography pair well with a sophisticated and witty script by Velina Hasu Houston, that is both humorous and heartbreaking. The script weaves the poetry of Heian period poet, Ono no Komachi, throughout to excellent effect, furthering the storytelling and highlighting the relevance of 1,000 year old poetry. Airi Kido as Ono no Komachi is outstanding in her lead role, as she portrays an Ono no Komachi whose passion for poetry, strength of character, and coquettish nature, breaths life into a legendary Japanese figure. This film is a joy to watch, a true work of art, and I would recommend it for anyone who loves poetry or is a fan of the Japanese aesthetic.

Tamara Ruppart's Path of Dreams is a remarkable artistic achievement. This film does everything right. It is visually stunning and there is an elegance of setting, costume, and dialogue. The story is expertly paced and the performances are nuanced and well-captured on film. This is a sublime story expertly told.

Only a filmmaker with a poetic sensibility could pull off a presentation that befits the story of one of Japan's most legendary poets. The story unfolds through an invitation the protagonist, Komachi, issues to her over-eager love interest, Shosho.

Come to see me each night before the moon is high and we will write poems to learn who we truly are. Vow to this and keep your vow, and we will create a love almost as beautiful as poetry. On the 100th night, I will accept you as my lover.

"We will write poems to learn who we truly are." That line just blows me away. And lines like that just keep cascading over you throughout the entire movie.

From the opening moments, until the conclusion, I was drawn into the story's world and its aching narrative. Multiple layers of meaning and interpretation blossom effortlessly throughout the story. There is nothing heavy-handed about it. The important questions about identity and how to forge a lasting love are in the foreground while doubt and insecurity lurk in the shadows. One has a sense that somehow by watching this movie, a person can begin to learn who they "truly are."

In this short movie there are no wasted lines, no shots that take you out of the story. Instead every camera angle, every close-up, and every setting choice keeps drawing you in deeper and deeper. The attention to detail such as the colors of kimonos or items in the background let you know you are in the hands of a thoughtful and skilled storyteller. I highly recommend Path of Dreams and urge you to keep an eye out for Tamara Ruppart's next offering.

Path of Dreams may be the best, most beautiful and timely love story ever presented. I want my daughter and granddaughter to learn from this movie how a woman with power and self-respect can build a complete relationship. Komachi's story of empowering a lustful young man to learn of love is a message that is as timeless as love itself. The lustful young man, Shosho is as arrogant, sexy and humanly demanding as men can be. And Komachi's lust is equally obvious, beautifully restrained and poetically represented. The cinematography is as touching as the story and messages. Vibrant colors accentuate the feeling level perfectly. I will not give away the ending as it touches my own heart way too personally. I am left with a deep appreciation of all of life's passions, struggles, joys, disappointments and ultimate reverence for our capacity to love. Don't miss this one. I am looking forward to the next Komachi adventure.

Dr Jim Dohn Hellerwork, DC

Path of Dreams is a beautiful film in every way. It's full of romantic longing, deep passion, and promise. I was enthralled with the courtship dance between the two love interests; they have met their match with each other. This is my favorite kind of love story in which the feelings of the characters have the opportunity to grow over time in an enchanting way. I liked the characters' use of writing poetry together as a subtle, clever, and playful way for them to flirt and grow their love and passion. The screenwriting is beautiful and goes along perfectly with the lovely setting which is like a living painting. The directing and acting are flawless and moving. The film literally took my breath away and took me by surprise. Path of Dreams reminded me of the preciousness of love and life, the importance of being bold and taking risks for love, and not making assumptions but venturing out past one's comfort zone to seek and find the truth. Bravo!