By Chance
By Chance

Movie spotlight

By Chance

2018
Movie
80 min
Japanese

When a door closes, they say another one opens in its place. Yu Nana (Nan Sheng) is a graduate student who has been pursuing her doctorate in psychology for the past eight years. While all of her college friends have secured jobs or married, Nana has been studying hard and preparing for her thesis. All her hard work seems to have been wasted when her thesis fails again and she is denied her Ph.D., plunging Nana into despair. The next day, Nana receives a strange email from Sasai Eisuke (Terada Takuya), a Japanese businessman. Wanting to escape from her failures, Nana takes the stranger up on his unusual offer and sets off for a trip to Japan that will change her life.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Laura SamaniGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In this poignant Italian drama, a young woman named Anna experiences a profound emotional journey as she navigates a complex relationship with her child and the memory of its father. The film delves into themes of motherhood, loss, and the enduring bonds that shape our lives. Anna grapples with her past and present, seeking peace and understanding in the face of profound personal circumstances.

Critical Reception

By Chance received a mixed to positive reception, with many critics commending its emotional depth and the performances of its lead actors. While some found the pacing deliberate, others appreciated its nuanced portrayal of grief and maternal love. The film was particularly noted for its atmospheric cinematography and sensitive handling of its subject matter.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its emotionally resonant portrayal of motherhood and loss.

  • Recognized for strong lead performances, particularly from Giulia D'Agnolo.

  • Some reviews noted a slow pace, but appreciated the film's contemplative nature.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'By Chance' is not widely available through specific Google user ratings or detailed reviews, making it difficult to summarize general audience sentiment.

Fun Fact

The film was noted for its stark yet beautiful visual style, which director Laura Samani used to reflect the internal emotional landscape of the protagonist.

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