I saw this at the Reykjavic International Film Festival and felt it was a great film. It's a story about a young woman named Chloe (the talented and beautiful Carla Juri) visiting Japan for work after the loss of her husband. It follows her process to move past his death and allow herself to find love again. It is not dialogue heavy, as there is the issue of communication and language between the two vastly different cultures of Iceland and Japan. However there are many scenes that link together to propel the movie along. You can see Chloe begin to get over her grief and move forward, slowly developing a relationship with Toshi (newcomer/musician Takashi Ueno). It is during their dinner together, eating fresh Wasabi that I see her true transformation begin. Yatsuro, (played by powerhouse Issei Ogata) is the guide that leads her along her way, as well as others, with her quiet transformation. It is a sweet, funny, heart felt film that you will enjoy, particularly with those who have experienced loss. Though it moves slowly, the cinematography, landscapes (particularly the juxtaposition between outdoor Iceland and urban Japan) and the human interaction make it all worthwhile. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
2 Reviews
"Blood" focuses way too much on the beauties of Japan rather than the story
chenp-5470820 April 2022
Saw this back at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
Blood is directed by Bradley Rust Gray and it's a story about after the death of her husband, a young woman travels to Japan where she finds solace in an old friend, but, when his comforting turns to affection, she realizes she must give herself permission before she can fall in love again. Gray understands how to make shots and sets look really beautiful but this movie unfortunately becomes one of the most joyless experiences I have seen at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. It's very clear that Gray doesn't have any idea how to properly develop the story, character, and real in-depth emotions. Instead, he would rather focus on how beauty Japan is and the amazing culture aspects presented throughout the movie. It's nothing wrong to show beautiful camerawork in a movie but the story and development has to connect with it as well in order to fullfill it's purpose. All the performances were just meh and nobody really wowed me as anything special or captivating.
None of the characters were interesting at all as they felt like basic characters you have seen for the millionth time in other better movies that exist in this world. Choices made from the characters really make you wanna roll your eyes or say something like "Oh my god, just get over it alright." The dialogue is garbage. The emotions presented here are really one dimensional and very bland as there was very little to offer. The pacing is the worst part of the movie as there is no headway where the movie wants to go. Those the movie want to go this way or that way? Even if it wants to go either way, there's no lead way on where this movie is going. Despite, good camerawork, there isn't really else to say about this movie instead it was dull and bland.
Rating: D.
Blood is directed by Bradley Rust Gray and it's a story about after the death of her husband, a young woman travels to Japan where she finds solace in an old friend, but, when his comforting turns to affection, she realizes she must give herself permission before she can fall in love again. Gray understands how to make shots and sets look really beautiful but this movie unfortunately becomes one of the most joyless experiences I have seen at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. It's very clear that Gray doesn't have any idea how to properly develop the story, character, and real in-depth emotions. Instead, he would rather focus on how beauty Japan is and the amazing culture aspects presented throughout the movie. It's nothing wrong to show beautiful camerawork in a movie but the story and development has to connect with it as well in order to fullfill it's purpose. All the performances were just meh and nobody really wowed me as anything special or captivating.
None of the characters were interesting at all as they felt like basic characters you have seen for the millionth time in other better movies that exist in this world. Choices made from the characters really make you wanna roll your eyes or say something like "Oh my god, just get over it alright." The dialogue is garbage. The emotions presented here are really one dimensional and very bland as there was very little to offer. The pacing is the worst part of the movie as there is no headway where the movie wants to go. Those the movie want to go this way or that way? Even if it wants to go either way, there's no lead way on where this movie is going. Despite, good camerawork, there isn't really else to say about this movie instead it was dull and bland.
Rating: D.
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