I didn't expect a whole lot from a "commissioned propaganda" film. But I got surprised - I was blown away by how thoroughly the feeling of living in another culture came through.
Sure some things seem a little unrealistic (the extreme indulgence of "grandparents" for example) and the ending's a somewhat artificial "feel good" (but still much less than most U.S. films). But for me those things quickly dissolved into the background.
My grandma was like that. I think a lot of Asian grandparents try to compensate for the strictness of parents.
shareYeah I agree, a bit of a rough diamond, a bit work and it could have been a very very good film.
sharethe ending's a somewhat artificial "feel good"
Some of the best works of art in history have been commissioned. In fact, most films in Hollywood are also commissioned. Therefore, when looking at it with this perspective, it should no longer be viewed as an impairment. I have seen the all the other works by this film's director (Kore-eda Hirokazu), and this one features his signature style. He very much made it his own, like he did with the rest of his movies. I believe this film is to Kore-eda what Good Morning was to Ozu and Small Change to Truffaut. Furthermore, even what Millions was to Danny Boyle and Hugo to Scorsese.
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