Felice… Felice…
Tragic love story about the photographer and explorer Felice Beato who travelled back to Japan in 1895 to seek his former wife O-Kiku. On the way he describes in a nostalgic letter to his brother how much he yearns for his lost love O-Kiku and how impotent he feels in an ancient Japan subject to rapid change. The journey takes him to Nagasaki and Moji, Onomichi, Mount Fuji, Yokohama and Tokyo. Places he once visited with his beloved and where he now no longer understands the people. Felice...Felice... is inspired by hand-coloured nineteenth century photos taken by e.g. Felice Beato, Sjimooka Renjo and Baron von Stilfried. In this film, shot entirely in a studio, the photos depict Felice's journey. Awarded the Golden Calf for Best Feature film in 1998. (NFF)
Insights
Plot Summary
This film explores the complex and often disturbing relationship between a lonely writer and a young prostitute. As their lives become intertwined, the narrative delves into themes of obsession, control, and the blurred lines between love and exploitation. The story unfolds with a sense of psychological tension, examining the darker aspects of human connection and desire.
Critical Reception
Felice… Felice… received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its raw and unflinching portrayal of its subject matter, while others found it to be overly bleak and uncomfortable. The film's artistic merit was debated, with its intense atmosphere and performances often highlighted, though its challenging themes limited its broader appeal.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its intense atmosphere and daring exploration of difficult themes.
- Criticized for its bleakness and potentially exploitative narrative.
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Fun Fact
The film's title itself, 'Felice… Felice…', is a repetition that suggests an unresolved or haunting presence, hinting at the psychological complexities explored within the narrative.
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