A Youngtree Films, Tohokushinsha Film Corp. production. (International sales: Tohokushinsha Film Corp., Tokyo.) Produced by Taniguchi Hiroyuki. Directed, written by Shingo Wakagi.
With: Koishi Kimi, Nobuto Yamaguchi, Eiji Atsumi, Hiroyasu Isobe, Yukai Yoshii.
Docu elements clumsily intrude on an otherwise sweet and moving dramatized tribute to helmer Shingo Wakagi's grandfather in "Waltz in Starlight." Exuding a warm, loving atmosphere, low-budget debut by Japanese photographer Wakagi revisits -- and re-creates a visit with -- his family and friends. Footage of the filmmaker's two "slow" childhood buddies is charming in itself, but really needs to be a separate project, as it jarringly interferes with the drama's primary focus. Resulting film would be much shorter, heightening fest prospects.
Young photographer Nobu (Nobuto Yamaguchi) returns to the small town of Hamamatsu and basks in the energy of his 78-year-old grandfather (Koishi Kimi, superb). Rural life is captured in all its peaceful nonchalance, tranquil and dull in equal measure. Life in the slow lane is happy enough for the entertaining patriarch, who is well looked after by his son and daughter-in-law. Relationships don't appear to go much below the surface, but when a tragedy hits, the connection between family members deepens considerably.
Family sequences are punctuated by scenes with the helmer's real-life childhood friends: the intellectually impaired Eiji Atsumi and Hiroyasu Isobe. Playing along with helmer's onscreen proxy Nobu, the pair present a series of odd diversions from the main narrative that provide a peculiar kind of comic relief.
However, when pic observes Hiro at work, a diversion turns into a full-fledged docu detour. Given that Japanese culture has traditionally segregated the disabled, metaphorically parting the screen doors to reveal the details of a disabled person's life makes an interesting fragment. Regretfully, the detour is awkwardly grafted onto the main yarn. It seems the helmer's compassionate regard for his old friends has prevented him from seeing that these strands really belong in a separate film. When it returns to its main narrative, pic regains its sensitive momentum and subtle rhythm.
Except for the dynamic turn by former stand-up comedian Kimi, perfs are low-key. For a photographer-cum-helmer, lensing is disappointing, though for those who persevere, end credits are punctuated by sublime black-and-white video footage of Wakagi's grandfather and the surrounding town. Underlined by Chopin's Nocturne Op. 55, No. 1, this magnificent finale hits exactly the right note of honorable tribute and restrained grief.
Camera (color), Wakagi; editor, Tamae Ohtsuka. Reviewed at Rotterdam Film Festival (competing), Jan. 28, 2008. Running time: 96 MIN.
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