Movie spotlight
Ubasute
The "yutori" generation of Japan is accused of being one of the laziest in society. Being raised in a pressure-free education system, the "yutori" are often criticized for poor results and lack of drive in the workplace. Touma (Kensuke Owada), at age 27, struggles to keep a job, sleeps at an internet cafe, and complains about his every day with online friends. They blame society, and Touma, full of pride yet lost without a purpose, is about to drop out of it. Frustrated with the elder generations telling him what to do, he wishes all old people were sent away, like the folklore "UBASUTE" where they are abandoned on a mountain. He finds an intriguing blog on the topic, and messages the blogger, a positive woman claiming to be his age. Little does he know, his new friend is actually a 72 year-old woman. Touma slowly learns how to face himself and improve his lifestyle thanks to their online conversations, and they finally get a chance to meet...
Insights
Plot Summary
In a remote Japanese village practicing the ancient ritual of 'ubasute' (abandoning the elderly), a young woman named Yuki grapples with her impending fate as her village elders decide her time has come. As she faces the harsh mountain and the prospect of being left to die, she uncovers dark secrets about the tradition and the true nature of her community.
Critical Reception
Ubasute received mixed to negative reviews, primarily criticized for its slow pacing and underdeveloped narrative, though some acknowledged its attempt to explore a disturbing cultural practice.
What Reviewers Say
The film's premise is intriguing but ultimately fails to deliver a compelling story.
Lacks the necessary tension and character development to make the horror elements effective.
While visually atmospheric at times, the narrative feels disjointed and unsatisfying.
Google audience: Audience reviews for Ubasute are scarce, with those available noting the disturbing subject matter but generally finding the execution lacking in impact and narrative coherence.
Fun Fact
The film's title, 'Ubasute', directly refers to the Japanese folk practice of leaving elderly or infirm relatives, typically mothers, to die in a remote location, a tradition that has largely faded into folklore but has been explored in various media.
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