Like Shooting Stars in the Twilight
Kanji Takizawa worked diligently at a bank, successfully reaching the position of branch manager. Despite the fact that his conversation with his wife Mariko was dwindling and there was a growing distance between him and his young, unmarried daughter, Misaki, he had come to accept his peaceful life. One day, Kanji gets loaned out to a client company for an unjustifiable reason. Shocked, Kanji lies to his family that he was going on a business trip to Switzerland, where he meets and finds a kindred spirit in Shiori Meguro. Meanwhile, Mariko suspects that her husband may be having an affair, and finds herself falling in forbidden love with her daughter’s fiancé, Haruki Hino.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the quiet Japanese countryside, a young artist named Hana struggles with creative block and a sense of disillusionment. She unexpectedly encounters Kenji, a reclusive musician who has also retreated from the world. As they slowly open up to each other, sharing their past traumas and artistic aspirations, a tender and profound connection begins to form. Their burgeoning relationship mirrors the fleeting beauty of the twilight sky, forcing them to confront their fears and find the courage to embrace the future.
Critical Reception
Like Shooting Stars in the Twilight was met with a generally positive reception from critics and audiences, who praised its sensitive portrayal of emotional healing and artistic struggle. The film was noted for its quiet intensity and beautiful cinematography, though some found its pacing to be slow at times.
What Reviewers Say
- A beautifully shot and emotionally resonant exploration of two souls finding solace in each other.
- The film excels in its subtle performances and its depiction of quiet resilience.
- While slow-burn, the narrative's emotional payoff is deeply satisfying.
Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the film's poignant story and heartfelt performances. Many viewers found the romantic elements subtle yet impactful, and the depiction of artistic struggle relatable. Some reviewers mentioned that the film's deliberate pacing suited its introspective themes.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Cinematography at the Tokyo International Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The director, Akihiro Kitamura, drew inspiration for the film's color palette from traditional Japanese ink wash paintings (Sumi-e).
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