As we have developed into a more globalized society, we will have to take a look whether, despite all the various kinds of freedom we enjoy today, the conflict of obligation and desire has become even more dramatic. However, the distinction is not so much driven by morals anymore, as it is now defined by other aspects such as gender, career and family, as well as the ultimate goal of happiness, which, as we are made to believe, is something we should strive for, even if the path to it results in quite the opposite. Within the context of a conservative, traditional society such as the Japanese, these issues are quite relevant, and thus have become the central theme in many narratives, from literature and movies, showing how the individual has been shaped by them.
“Strangers” is screening at Osaka Asian Film Festival
One of the side effects of the aforementioned freedom, is how it has made many of us vulnerable. In her short feature “Strangers”, which celebrates its world premiere at Osaka Asian Film Festival, director Sae Suzuki explores this idea through the story of Yukie (Manami Usamaru), a young dental nurse, who is given the opportunity to substantiate a kind of freedom when stealing money from her employer, after having been abused by him sexually multiple times. As she meets a young man named Minato (Akihiro Yamamoto) through a dating app, the two spend the day together, but ultimately have to face the results of this freedom, their lack of happiness and whether there is an alternative path, possibly bringing them a sense of peace.
In the 38 minutes of her short feature, Suzuki focuses and in the end touches upon many topics, connected to the ones mentioned before, from gender roles to sexual harassment and power hierarchies. While not every one of these ideas is explored more deeply, the two main characters are portrayed as people emotionally affected by the elements which have shaped their lives, creating a dichotomy of what they truly want, how they behave and which goals they pursue. Rather than going through the expected routine of dating, their day, consisting of playing board games in Yukie's hotel room and visiting an aquarium, seems to provide some peace for them and carefree joy, unrelated to the obligations of dating as it is defined by society.
Apart from the changing urban landscape, reflecting the different sets of dreams and expectations, as well as the mood of the two characters, the performances by Manami Usamaru and Akihiro Yamamoto keep the short feature together. Their chemistry and delivery reflects how their definitions of happiness and fulfillment have shaped their characters, resulting in the aforementioned chasm of obligation and desire. Additionally, Usamaru as Yukie explores the soul of a person faced with one version of freedom and how it still does not fill a certain void within her.
In conclusion, “Strangers” is a feature exploring a multitude of topics, most importantly the idea of happiness and fulfillment, how it has shaped us and often results in quite the opposite. Sae Suzuki's feature is burdened by the various themes it tackles, but held together by its central performances, which create a strong emotional core to the narrative.
