Review: of filmmaking , the kind that pretends to be passionate and truthful but is really frustratingly timid and soggy 
Sentiment: negative

Review: gets vivid , convincing performances from a fine cast , and 
Sentiment: positive

Review: it strikes hardest ... when it reminds you how pertinent its dynamics remain . 
Sentiment: positive

Review: hashiguchi covers this territory with wit and originality , suggesting that with his fourth feature -- the first to be released in the u.s. -- a major director is emerging in world cinema 
Sentiment: positive


Review: somewhat defuses this provocative theme by submerging it in a hoary love triangle .