like the picture inside a locket

Rating: 9/10 (28 February 2004)

It is interesting to see the dichotomy in how people view this film. Some people focus on Japan and see it as a film about Japan. Me, well I've been there many times and since the background is everyday events I was watching the actors, who are center frame in pretty much every frame. And it is about their characters. They're in an environment which is alien to them but not alienating, and it is the perfect setting for them to become introspective.
And some see nothing happening. Whereas I see a relationship bloom and flow to its conclusion in a way that both will probably remember and keep thinking about for the rest of their lives. Maybe that perspective also depends on whether it has ever happened to you.
Very nice.