Matt-the-Hasp Reviews

Sanshiro Sugata (1943)

A promising debut from the great director

[6/10 · 20 December 2016]

Kurosawa's debut features a few cinematic flourishes which hint at things to come in his later works, including the confident use of symbolism and of the forces of nature (particularly wind and rain). For a first-time director, it's clear there is an artistic vision and creative talent at work here.

Despite this, the plot does feel rather slight and even conventional, probably due to the influence Western cinema had on Kurosawa at the time. Wartime budget constraints and heavy governmental censoring didn't help this film, and as such, it doesn't feel completely satisfying, particularly when seen next to the works of fellow Japanese contemporary Ozu Yasujiro, or indeed Kurosawa's later career.

Krisha (2015)

A surprisingly unique take on a well-worn story!

[8/10 · 20 December 2016]

Don't let the plot synopsis fool you. First-time writer-director Trey Edward Shults has managed to craft a unique and absorbing family drama from a premise which appears mundane and conventional on the surface.

Krisha Fairchild is magnificent in the lead role, and the mostly non-actor cast add a heightened sense of honesty and realism to the drama, which can make for engrossing, if at times uncomfortable viewing.

However, what makes Krisha truly stand out is the cinematography and score. With an opening shot lasting about six minutes, it's clear from the start that this isn't your run-of-the-mill family drama. The camera is used in ways that can sometimes call attention to itself, but is always in service of the story. The rattling score permeates the film with a feeling of dread and anxiety which, with the camera-work, really makes us feel what the title character is feeling.

While Krisha is not a perfect film (although the opening 20-30 minutes come close), it manages to feel unique and original in ways I didn't think would be possible in 2016. This is the most pleasant surprise of the year, and I can't wait to see what Shults does next.