Shindô concocts a stylistic mix of odd experimental flourishes, female nudity, Soviet-style close-ups and baldly sentimental melodrama to emphasize the toll this disaster took; its cup may runneth over, yet the stark vibe is impossible to shake.
With Japan facing a new nuclear crisis, this beautifully composed and acted heart-wrencher -- couldn't be more timely.
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Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
This is a movie of blunt juxtapositions-death accompanied by the sound of raucous street musicians-as well as awkward flashbacks. Still, the strategy works.