Direction: Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Country: Japan
This talky, almost action-less anthology drama film directed by the up-and-coming Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi consists of three unconnected stories centered on female characters and their romantic dilemmas, choices, regrets, memories and feelings.
It’s all quite captivating, even when something familiar is put in front of our eyes, as is the case with the first episode - titled Magic - in which a young model realizes that her producer and best friend is dating with her ex-boyfriend, whom she hasn't seen in two years. Despite that, will she act, moved by jealousy? If this is the most unexceptional story, the one that follows - Door Wide Open - is the most daring, mixing academic revenge and bitter romantic crush. Yet, the most extraordinary episode is the last one - Once Again - which, set in a technologically convoluted time, follows a woman who thinks she recognizes her teenage love when attending a High School class meeting in her hometown. All the stories’ conclusions are left open and shades of Eric Rohmer and Hong Sang-soo’s styles are detectable.
Excerpts of classical piano music accompany this warming cinematic experience where apparently banal situations can lead to unpredictable outcomes. In a demonstration of grace and occasional wit, Hamaguchi reflects on the nonlinearities of love with an eminently companionable triptych that relies on engaging plots and a marvelous ensemble cast to succeed.
If you have a thirst for a pleasurable and quirky love story, this one offers you three refreshing gulps.
