11. Film Review: Unborn Soul (2024) by Zhou Zhou
The second axis is the drama-fiction one, mostly revolving around the friction between the two spouses and the concept of the decision in the particular case. Regarding this dilemma, it is interesting to examine it through the perspectives of the two contradicting opinions on the subject. Lin Jung and the doctors essentially represent the logical decision, which is abortion, since the chances for complications in the birth as much as condemning three people in misery (the newborn and the two parents) are quite high. Through this perspective, Qinq Chen's argument seems illogical and self-indulgent, but the analysis of her character and her thoughts, which are also presented through imaginary dialogues between her and the fetus, show another opinion, more based on sentiment than logic, which does find some justification after a point. The ending of the story, however, definitely does not place Qinq Chen on the ‘winning side'. Lastly, Lin Jung's perspective highlights the patriarchal point of view, which, expectedly, is the most despicable. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
12. Short Film Review: Accompany (2023) by Um Mun-suk
The 32-minute short revolves around two questions essentially: What are the family affairs that Su-yeon has to settle and that seem to burden her significantly, and why is Sang-su following her. The mystery works well for the film, retaining the interest until the revelation about the former question, which is more common than one would expect, particularly since, up to that point, the movie moved into a path that much resembled a thriller. Actually, this aspect comes back at some point, although in rather unexpected fashion. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
13. Film Review: Girls and Boys (2024) by Satoru Hirohara
The editing emerges as one of the best aspects of the film, both for the relatively fast pace and for the way the many different cinematic approaches and the three parts are connected. Lastly, the acting by all the teenagers is on a rather high level, with them exhibiting a wonderful chemistry, in a trait that should also be attributed to the director. “Girls and Boys”, is smart, funny, original, and in general, a breath of fresh air that is bound to make its audience have a good time while also providing food for thought. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
14. Interviews: Satoru Hirohara
Was it difficult working with the actors in order to have boys playing girls and vice versa? How did the casting work for the movie?
We auditioned a lot of middle school students. We asked them to create the role they wanted to play, with the rules that the gender was different from their own. It wasn't difficult for them as they really enjoyed playing a different gender. That was the first time I felt the potential of this film. The selected actors were interviewed repeatedly and their roles were considered.
15. Film Review: Inch Forward (2023) by Su Yu Chun
“Inch Forward” delves quite deeply into indie filmmaking, presenting all its hardships and joys in the best fashion, while retaining a very appealing lightness throughout its 83 minutes. With an approach that combines realism with humor in the best fashion, 29-years-old Su Yu Chun is definitely a name to look for in the future, particularly if she gets good scripts in her hands. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
16. Interview: Su Yu Chun
Is the story autobiographical? In general, where did you draw inspiration for the movie? Do you identify with any of the characters?
This film is my graduation project. During the project presentation, I presented that I wanted to make a road movie, but I was told that it would be difficult to realize it due to various restrictions at the school. So I had to rethink the project and couldn't make a decision. Then the scriptwriters, Tetsuya Uehara and Natsumi Ishii, suggested to make a movie how about a director who wants to make a road movie but can't. That's how the film came to be.
“Inch Forward” was inspired by Juzo Itami‘s film “Tampopo”, I referred to the story structure with episodes that have connection with the main plot. Because I always imagine the life of someone I pass by or someone sitting on the same train, and wonder where they will go from here. I put in these kinds of sub-stories about film in “Inch Forward”
17. Film Review: A Weather Report (2024) by Yu Kajino
If there is a positive worth highlighting, the film is visually stunning, with exceptional cinematography and a nice variety of indoor and outdoor locations in Niigata and Oiso. There's also a decent attempt at producing an ambient atmosphere. How weather is utilized as the four seasons change encompasses the general tone of a scene well-played, and the music score helps as well. (Sean Barry)
18. Film Review: Performing KAORU's Funeral (2023) by Noriko Yuasa
“Performing KAORU's Funeral” is a very entertaining film that continues the legacy of excellent Japanese family dramas revolving around funerals in the best fashion, in a movie that is bound to make its viewers smile a number of times. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
19. Short Film Review: How We Say Goodbye (2023) by Thunyachanok Aphisumphokul
Through an approach that soars with nostalgia, also dictated by the excessive use of photos interspersed throughout the film and the subtle music, Thunyachanok Aphisumphokul presents the concept mentioned in the prologue by showing how difficult it is to say goodbye to one life and a group of people, as the two girls obviously realize that they will soon stray away from each other. The drama that is emitted from this concept works quite well, with the director keeping it tame, however, definitely without hitting the reef of forced sentimentalism, at least not fully. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
20. Film Review: Swimming in a Sand Pool (2024) by Nobuhiro Yamashita
Although quite close to a stage-play, “Swimming in a Sand Pool” has enough cinematic elements to move beyond the restraints of similar films while the quality of the dialogue, the acting and the characterization definitely make it a film worth watching. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
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