You cannot quite put your finger on a short like “A Boy Sato.” It feels just as much meaningful as it does vague, and as confusing as it is intriguing. Nevertheless, it is something which does bring about some thoughts about how we ostracise others, and will likely find a willing audience on the festival circuit.
“A Boy Sato” is screening at Japan Society
The plot revolves around Sato, who is seemingly a boy who has simply relocated over time. As it turns out though, he is an alien, one unwelcome in society because of his strangeness, and cast aside by higher-ups and friends alike. Banished from the town he used to reside in, he visits one day by chance, reliving his past with friend Hijikata while slowly accepting his unfortunate fate as someone pushed into being an outcast.
Buoyed by a pacy plot which unravels with a sharp confidence, “A Boy Sato” is something which may not force real introspection amongst its audience, but offers plenty of food for thought on how we treat those we perceive as different to ourselves. It is not a novel concept by any means, but it is displayed astutely, and delivered with a lightness which does not make it feel forced in any way. In that regard, Omoi Sasaki does a decent job with his narrative, consequently ensuring that his points are made clearly and without needless additions.
The acting does come across at times rather jarring, though, something understandable given the age of the cast, but at the same time a factor which does take away from the film as a whole. With that being said, Kazuma Ichioka, Yuya Hijikata and Ryosuke Nishino do all perform competently enough, and the dialogue-heavy scenes never feel too exaggerated or false.
Technically, proceedings are rather understated, with scenes of the snowy mountains and old cemeteries particularly appealing, and the confined space of the bath something exploited undeniably smartly. Nothing is overblown but everything counts, making for an astute visual aid to the movie.
All in all, “A Boy Sato” is a short which succeeds in its brief look at exclusionary societies, all whilst giving plenty of entertainment along the way. It may not land all its punches, but it is provoking enough for one to consider it past an initial viewing.
