This one's a beautiful, tender, quiet romantic drama with a moody atmosphere, set in a tight knit Welsh fishing community. It's a touching story about a man waking up sexually in the middle of his life, and how he, his family, and everyone around him deal with it, which makes it emotional and sentimental without ever getting over the top. The slow burn plays out against a landscape that's as bleak as it is gorgeous, where quiet, closed off men are stuck inside rigid ideas of what masculinity should be. Some people might be reminded of "God's Own Country," but I think both films are lovely in their own way. Jack is a middle aged guy who co-owns a mussel farm with his rough around the edges brother Dyfan, and the tension between the two of them is simmering under the surface right from the start. Dyfan's three sons all help out with the work, while Jack's sulky teenage son Tom keeps skipping out. Jack's been with his wife since they were both 16, and...
Ryoma is a famous big actor who still hasn't forgotten about his childhood crush. Ten years ago, as a kid he crushed on his co-star, a little girl, who helped him get over his nervousness. In order to meet his crush again, Ryoma arranges a re-enactment of the wedding commercial ten years later, using the same actors as the previous ad. To his shock, it turns out his crush is actually a man names Izumi, who was dressed a sa girl for the commercial. The new wedding commercial is shot and somehow Ryoma can't get Izumi out of his head, despite being very disappointed by finding out that his crush is a boy. Izumi's popularity rises after the commercial but he has no interest in stardom but he is a geek and is more interested in publishing his first manga instead. Troubled Ryoma pays Izumi a visit and kisses him hoping to confront his feelings. Next day, Ryoma apologizes profusely for his inappropriate actions, hoping that he can start a friendship with Izumi on a much better note. Touched by his sincerity, Izumi keeps in contact with his new friend. The two of them forge a bond that gradually becomes romantic.
The storytelling is really awkward here and the focus keeps constantly shifting. The romantic track is half-baked and very shallow and just suddenly develops between the two characters. Some stories work well on paper but not as a live action film, I suppose. Also the comic timing is so poor that you barely crack a smile, forget laughter. The acting and direction was amateurish and exaggerated, as I already mentioned above and I'd blame the director for that. The actors were probably just doing what they were asked to do. The brother's love story with the manager was just touched upon for no reason whatsoever. Either that should have been a parallel track or there was no need for it all all. A huge disappointment overall. (3.5/10)
Comments
I am sure if you searched hard enough, you will find it. :)
small world !!