The number of LGBT movies coming to cinema screens recently has increased significantly, with various filmmakers focusing on the issues the members of the particular community face, through many different approaches. Kozue Ito also shoots a film with this theme, implementing a rather subtle approach.
“Ours” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
Ryo is a photographer who is living in the same house with Yudai, a young man who is not her boyfriend though, since he is gay and dating another guy, Masa. Ryo, however, has told her parents that he is her boyfriend, not to let them worry about her. In reality, she is in love with a woman who works in the same studio, although she has kept her feelings completely to herself. Eventually, her fragile balance crumbles when Yudai announces that he is living to leave with his boyfriend, and her object of love that the studio they work in is about to close.
Kozue Ito directs a very interesting short, that unfolds in a number of levels despite the 30 minutes of its duration. For starters, we have the concept of photography, which actually “surrounds” all the rest, offering a series of rather beautiful images, in both the artificiality of the studio and the naturalness of the forest inside the city. In that regard, Shota Uchiyama's cinematography emerges as one of the best assets of the film, also due to a number of additional shots, as the night one, which is probably the most impressive in the short.
A second level deals with Ryo's feelings, and the struggles she faces both for her initial situation and the eventual change that takes place. The ending leaves it open about what actually happens with the woman she loves, in an approach, though, that works well here. Also of virtue is Ryo's overall attitude, with her constant smiling and joke-making during all the dire news she receives, adding much to the entertainment the film offers. Furthermore, Ito's own acting in the role is excellent, particularly in the way she expresses her inner struggle despite the cheerful façade she puts on.
The third level deals with the rights of LGBT, particularly focusing on the difficulties they find in marrying, although this aspect is mostly presented through text on screen, instead of being an organic part of the movie. The same issue applies to the meetings of the protagonist with another photographer who comments on her photos, which seems somewhat unnecessary, even if it can be perceived as part of the whole focus on photography aspect.
Despite the fact that the short would have benefitted from some more time allocated to the gay arc, “Ours” emerges as a rather competent film, that definitely deserves a watch for the acting and cinematography.
