Movie spotlight
The Ferry
In the remote mountains of Enshi in Central China, the river Dasha separates a village in two. When villagers need to cross the river to cultivate their lands or to go to the nearby city, the only way is to take an old boat from old Tian. For three generations, the Tians have undertaken to make people cross the river for free. Tian's wife died a few years ago and his only son Chuanjie works in the city. Tian Hai lives alone in his small squalid hut, making do with very little. Tian Chuanjie comes to see his aged widower father. He tries to convince him to stop these crossing of the river. The young man will spend a whole summer in the village, trying to understand the reasons pushing a human being to help others without return.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film follows a young woman named Nozomi who is working as a cleaner and preparing for her wedding. She secretly visits her ailing father in prison, a man who was once a respected judge but is now serving time for murder. As she grapples with her father's past and the moral complexities of his actions, her own life and beliefs are called into question. The narrative explores themes of justice, family, and the search for truth within a society that often struggles with forgiveness.
Critical Reception
The Ferry received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its thoughtful exploration of complex moral and ethical themes. While some found the pacing to be deliberate, the performances, particularly from Kou Shibasaki, were widely lauded. The film was recognized for its nuanced approach to justice and its emotional depth, resonating with audiences interested in character-driven dramas.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its sensitive portrayal of guilt and redemption.
Kou Shibasaki's performance as the conflicted daughter is a standout.
The film offers a profound meditation on justice and personal responsibility.
Google audience: Audience reception data for 'The Ferry (2013)' on Google is not readily available in a consolidated format to provide a specific summary of likes and dislikes.
Fun Fact
Director Masayuki Suo is also known for his critically acclaimed film 'Shall We Dance?' (1996).
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