Shinji Imaoka has moved far away from his pinku past during the recent years, with films like “Reiko and the Dolphin” proving the fact in the most eloquent fashion. At the same time, however, the sex element is not exactly void from his recent works, in an aspect that implies that he has not completely abolished his cinematic past. “Far Away, Further Away” is a testament to both elements.
Far Away, Further Away is screening at Osaka Asian Film Festival
Sayoko is a seemingly carefree woman, who works as a salesperson in a custom furniture company and has a happy relationship with her husband. However, recently she has started to realize that the two of them do not have much in common, and her efforts to change that do not bring any particular result. As such, she begins scouting for apartments, which leads her into meeting Yohei, a real estate agent whose wife has abandoned after having an affair with a colleague. As they tour properties, the two get closer together, usually over drinks, eventually deciding to search for Yohei's wife, in a trip that brings them enlightenment on a number of levels.
Implementing a rather entertaining approach which includes romance, slapstick humor and elements of sensuality, Shinji Imaoka manages to make a number of comments on modern relationships and the reasons people end up getting married and divorced (in Japan) nowadays. That the two protagonists reach the same conclusion in their relationships, but for different reasons, as Sayoko feels she does not have much in common with her husband and was essentially married due to pressure from their parents, and Yohei's wife left because she felt neglected, highlights this comment in the most clear way. At the same time, and on a much more optimistic note, Imaoka also shows that love and relationships can spurt in the most unexpected moments, same as the healing of any broken soul.
Apart from these comments, Imaoka also includes a tour guide element in the movie, which takes advantage of the natural beauty of Hokkaido, both in rural and urban settings, along with a series of scenes by the sea, with the cinematography helping the most in that regard. Also of note is the way he implements color in the movie, with the difference between the grays of the cloudy weather and the vivid colors of the sunny one, frequently mirroring the psychology of the protagonists, and particularly of Yohei. The way he includes humor in the narrative is also excellent, with the contrast between the cheerfulness of Sayoko and the moodiness of Yohei working quite well in that regard, as much as the meeting the latter has with various men during his search for his wife. Particularly the one featuring Yohta Kawase is a truly memorable one, also because it highlights Kaito Yoshimura's performance as Yohei. Talking about performances, Manami Shindo is excellent is Sayoko, quite convincing in a role that has her appear cheerful on the exterior but harboring feelings of sadness inside, which are evident only through a closer look.
Lastly, the film also includes a rather steamy sex scene, which showcases Imaoka's experience and prowess in this aspect, both in the way it is shot and the overall guidance of the actors.
“Far Away, Further Away” lies on a slightly lower level than the great “Reiko and the Dolphin”. However, it is funny, sensual, interesting in its comments, and in general, another rather easy-to-watch title by Imaoka, who presents one more very entertaining work.
