Movie spotlight
Baraga Oni-Ki -Saien-
In July of 1864, in an incident at the Ikedaya Inn in Kyoto, thirty Shinsengumi suppressed a cell of twenty Choshu revolutionaries, possibly preventing the burning of Kyoto. The incident made the squad more famous and led to soldiers enlisting in the squad. The leader is Hijikata Toshizo, who is said to have been a spoiled brat in his childhood. One day, Toshizo discovers a woman thief with a stolen purse. In the purse, a note mentioning the name of Ito Kashitaro is found detailing illegal operations. Toshizo fears will become true. There is a rift in Shinsengumi.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary film focuses on the lives of the Ito family, who run a small inn in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It captures their daily routines, their interactions with nature, and their efforts to preserve their traditional way of life against the backdrop of modernization and changing times. The film offers an intimate and contemplative look at their struggles and their resilience.
Critical Reception
Baraga Oni-Ki -Saien- received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of a family's connection to their ancestral land and their quiet determination. Reviewers praised director Katsuya Tomita's observational style and his ability to capture the beauty and challenges of rural Japanese life. The film was noted for its contemplative pace and its poignant depiction of tradition versus modernity.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its poetic and intimate observational style.
Commended for its sensitive portrayal of rural Japanese life and tradition.
Appreciated for its contemplative pacing and emotional depth.
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Fun Fact
Director Katsuya Tomita spent a significant amount of time living with the Ito family to gain their trust and accurately capture their daily lives for the documentary.
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