All About Lily Chou-Chou リリイ·シュシュのすべて check my photo album
-
Directed by Shunji Iwai
-
2001
-
2h 37m
In the hushed landscape of a quiet village unfold life trajectories that are pure yet tinged with a melancholy unbecoming of their youth. The bonds of friendship, kinship, and love among these souls ebb and flow like a transient bloom. Caught in a dance between reality and illusion, they grapple with a destiny that seems inescapable. It's said that people possess seven souls, and once lost, they are irretrievable.
Philia's encounter with the green cat unfolds across dual realms, set to the haunting melodies of Lily Zhou, echoing through the clear ether. The music's cessation signifies an eternal end. What was thought to be the vibrancy of our youth, in reality, bears an indelible shade of grey. As the wheat fields cycle from green to gold and back again, with the advent of a new season, one wonders if all can revert to what it once was. Will the essence of what Yuichi strives to protect remain unaltered?
Beneath the film's crisp imagery and fluid music lies a deeper narrative: the turmoil of adolescence and the harshness of youth. This stark contrast crafts a pervasive gray atmosphere that envelops the entire film, capturing the poignant dichotomy between the outward serenity of the scenes and the inner chaos of growing up.
Millennium Mambo 千禧曼波
-
Directed by Hou Hsiao-Hisen
-
2001
-
1h 59m
The millennium, a symbol of the era, has captivated numerous artists eager to capture and convey its essence. The choice of characters and stories by the director and playwright Zhu Tianwen to represent the millennium is intriguing.
It likely reflects their keen understanding and capture of the public's sentiments at this significant century's juncture. They seem to suggest that while some may have welcomed the millennium with open arms, many others faced it with confusion and uncertainty. Contrary to bringing a brighter future, the millennium simply marked the passage of time. The persistent themes of aimlessness, vulnerability, and complexity remained ever-present, akin to the enduring nature of the rose.
In the Heat of the Sun 阳光灿烂的日子 check my photo album
-
Directed by Jiang Wen
-
1994
-
2h 14m
Bound to the essence of youth is an everlasting summer, where young faces gleam like diamonds and bodies pulse with desire. These moments represent the pinnacle of beauty in life, the initial and final beats of the heart. As we look back with nostalgia, memories undergo an automatic embellishment, transforming all recollections of that summer, that era, into a distant and hazy dream. This dream is a blend of heartbeats, ecstasy, intoxication, and disillusionment – all etched deeply as the imprints of time.
The ineffable pain of youth can feel akin to drowning, struggling for breath in an overwhelming tide. Though the journey ahead may still stretch far and wide, the remainder of life can sometimes feel like a mere waiting for the inevitable end.
Valerie and Her Week of Wonders Valerie a týden divů
-
Directed by Jaromil Jires
-
1970
-
1h 17m
It unfolds like a surreal dream, oscillating between fiction and reality, its narrative peppered with bizarre plots and characters whose identities are in constant flux. It delves into the depths of the subconscious unleashed in dreams, the struggle against devilish temptations, and surreptitious glimpses into the physical entanglements of its characters, such as the scene between the grandmother and the vampire seen through a keyhole. Abundant in sexually suggestive imagery and a host of ghostly, eccentric elements, this film weaves together a magical tapestry filled with whimsy, myriad symbols, and a deliberately sparse storyline.
Bearing strong religious undertones, the film presents a dichotomy between the overt advocacy of certain beliefs and the covert thoughts and impulses lurking beneath. This tension reflects a struggle with suppressed human nature or perhaps long-restrained impulses. The heroine, in particular, grapples with her burgeoning sexual awareness and increasingly deviant inclinations. Dreams and reality are separated by a mere veil, one that can be effortlessly sliced through by the slightest external force.
The intricate interplay of dreams, reality, and the distortion of time and space blurs their boundaries, leading the viewer's thoughts to a perplexing climax amidst constant shattering and rebuilding of perceptions. This film is a labyrinthine journey through the complexities of the human psyche, challenging the viewer to discern the thin line between dream and reality.
Spirited Away 千と千尋の神隠し
-
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
-
2001
-
2h 05m
Unbridled desires can lead you to lose not only yourself but also those you hold dear. In harsh circumstances, it is only through diligent adaptation and the pursuit of change that breakthroughs become possible. On the path to success, it's crucial to value and express gratitude towards those who support you. Along this journey, you'll encounter both daunting challenges and benevolent guides, including both fearsome obstacles and kind-hearted allies.
To navigate this journey, it is essential to temper your desires, continually strive for improvement, understand the ways of the world without being consumed by it, and maintain kindness and gentleness. Life offers a multitude of paths, and each represents a journey of growth. There are many factors beyond your control, and even in solitude and loneliness, the journey must continue. Remember, there's no allowance for stopping or looking back; the path forward is the only way.
Monster 怪物
-
Directed by Hirokazu Koreeda
-
2023
-
2h 05m
Each individual clings to their ingrained biases, unable to assemble the full narrative through listening and dialogue. The malevolence inherent in human nature manifests as an unwitting collective transgression, creating a cycle where victims are repeatedly harmed, each incident intricately connected. The efforts of parents and the righteousness of teachers often halt at the boundary of their responsibilities. The apathy and banal malevolence of the majority contribute to the world's deterioration. In the moment of ultimate destruction, as the universe expands and time reverses, those who love each other will find themselves running under the radiant sun, destined to be entwined in their final moments.
Blue Gate Crossing 蓝色大门
-
Directed by Yi Zhiyan
-
2002
-
1h 23m
“Under the vast expanse of the blue sky, the eternal mysteries captivate the sealed-off souls of those in their twenties." Indeed, maybe everyone's youth bears striking resemblances, a blend of endearing charm and a tinge of melancholy. Riding a bicycle, clad in a school uniform, we embody youthful zeal with our earnest, sometimes presumptuous pursuits and confessions. This blend of confusion and uneasiness about the unknown feels both distant and yet intimately close to us, a shared memory of growing up.