Asian Three-Fold Mirror 2018: Journey
This omnibus film consists of three films made by three directors from three countries. With “Journey” as the theme, each of these films tells about a journey. “The Sea” is a film by Degena Yun (China), telling about mother and child’s trip to the sea from Beijing. “Hekishu,” a film by Daishi Matsunaga (Japan), tells about the journey of a Japanese businessman involved in infrastructure development in Yangon. The film depicts the entrepreneur’s emotional feelings in the face of Yangon residents who lost their homes due to the construction of the new infrastructure. The last is a film titled “Variable No. 3” by Edwin (Indonesia), which tells the story of a couple’s journey to Tokyo. There they meet a mysterious man. The man who works as a tour guide and rents out the inn, gives a strange advice to the husband and wife.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film follows the story of Japanese travel writer, Ichiro, who is on a journey to understand his identity and the Asian spirit. He travels through Southeast Asia, encountering various people and cultures that challenge his preconceived notions. Through these experiences, he begins to find a deeper connection to the region and himself.
Critical Reception
Asian Three-Fold Mirror 2018: Journey received a mixed to positive reception from critics. While some praised its ambitious scope and visual beauty, others found its narrative somewhat disjointed and slow-paced. The performances, particularly Tadanobu Asano's, were generally well-regarded.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its evocative cinematography and exploration of Asian identity.
- Criticized by some for its meandering plot and lack of a strong narrative drive.
- Tadanobu Asano's central performance was frequently highlighted as a strong point.
Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be a visually interesting exploration of identity and culture, though some felt it lacked a compelling storyline.
Fun Fact
The film is the second installment in a trilogy by Katsuhiro Otomo and his collaborators, exploring different facets of Asian identity and interconnectedness.
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