DBsox Reviews

Maborosi (1995)

On the edge of my seat!

[1/10 · 27 February 1999]

I found myself on the edge of my seat with this film. Not waiting for any type of revelation, but for some form of a plot to materialize. The plot that finally did appear was paper thin and unsatisfying.

Comments have been made about the Ozu-esque quality of the narrative camera work in this film. I think Ozu had the presence of mind to realize that a 60+ second longshot of a fishing village is just a little too much to ask of the audience. Unfortunately, Maboroshi no hikari has several of these moments, where I found myself becoming impatient for the scenes to end.

Although some of the shots in the film offer a breathtaking beauty, I cannot recommend Maboroshi no hikari (unless you like watching grass grow.)

119 (1994)

"Cute"

[7/10 · 27 February 1999]

A "cute" story of the men in a small village fire department who have never seen a fire to fight. The monotony of their daily lives is interrupted by the appearance of a beautiful female college student who comes to visit her aunt.

"119" is a love story masquerading as a comedy. Unfortunately, the characters are not deep enough to pull this off. The opening sequence is hilarious, but it promises more than the film delivers.

Not a great film, but a cute film, worth watching for the wonderful soundtrack alone.

Traffic Jam (1991)

Going home

[9/10 · 27 February 1999]

A terrific film. A working man and his family set out by car to visit his parents over the New Year's holiday. Although the film works as a "trip from hell"-type comedy, what shines through is its commentary on Japanese life, obligation, and reconnecting with your roots. The final scene between father and son is as touching as any I've seen. Wonderfully acted and deeply human, I highly recommend this film.