Yuta Noguchi departs from his usual work in television to write and direct his bittersweet directorial debut, “Wandering Memories.” Implementing the knowledge taught by his filmmaking mentor Ken Ochiai, who also produces the project, Noguchi puts together a story heavily inspired by his personal emotional experiences. Those memories are a blueprint for constructing a fictional narrative that sticks close to reality.
Wandering Memories is screening at Skip City International D-Cinema Festival
A mother named Shiori desperately searches for her son Taka, who has been missing for a few years. Memories still linger as if he were still present. Her concerned father pleads for her to move on with her life and not be tied down by the past. However, she remains determined to do anything to reunite with her child. Eventually, Shiori contemplates a significant choice after meeting a peculiar yet empathetic pawnbroker.
“Wandering Memories” is sentimental, capturing the gut-wrenching feeling of losing a loved one. Missing person cases bring unimaginable pain to families who wish to see those they care for return safely, and this short film powerfully captures that psychological pain. Shiori's struggles and her interactions with others within the story feel real. Wishing for a happy ending is equally painful, yet sadly, the truth is sometimes cruel. There is a major emphasis on the happy memories beforehand, which further adds to the lead's desperate search for closure. These emotions are greatly emphasized in the dynamic between Shiori and her aging father and the pawnbroker she meets who offers to help her in the journey for closure.
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The dramatic power of “Wandering Memories” is heightened by great acting. Natsuko Haru gives a sympathetic performance as Shiori, capturing someone distraught by grief from losing a loved one while also desperate for closure. The concern expressed by her father is wonderfully brought to life by Moro Morooka, who also sustains a touching father-daughter bond with Haru's character. Yoshiko Takehara brings a mysterious yet comforting presence to the pawnbroker that Shiori meets. Despite minimal screen time, child actor Sota Noguchi does a commendable job as Taka.
Kazuhiro Taniguchi's cinematography is rich with beauty and many subtle visual details. Some solid editing further helps the striking visuals become more impactful. A good example is the sequences in which a character skips stones, which holds significance in encapsulating what the main character is experiencing. The reserved music score composed by Gunoterre is appropriately utilized at the right moments.
In its short runtime, “Wandering Memories” leaves a substantial emotional effect that will stick with audiences. Its story is emotionally involving in its portrayal of desperation and loss. Furthermore, it is filled with subtleties that give more layers to its already harrowing subject matter. Considering what Yuta Noguchi accomplished in just under half an hour, his immense potential are quite evident here.
