Review of ‘Drifting Flowers, Flowing Days’: A Quiet and Introspective Film

A review of the debut film ‘Drifting Flowers, Flowing Days’ by Yutaka Tsunemachi, exploring its themes, performances, and narrative shortcomings.

Review of ‘Drifting Flowers, Flowing Days’: A Quiet and Introspective Film

Yutaka Tsunemachi, a talented filmmaker, makes his debut with the full-length drama ‘Drifting Flowers, Flowing Days’. The film recently premiered at the 45th Moscow International Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim and won the prestigious Silver St. George Award for Best Actress.

( Credit to: Asianmoviepulse )

The movie revolves around the lives of three main characters – Hiroto, Futaba, and Daigo. While their lives seem ordinary at first, unforeseen events and personal struggles force them to question their choices and contemplate their future.

( Credit to: Asianmoviepulse )

Yutaka Tsunemachi drew inspiration for the film from his own emotions and experiences while working on the script. This approach allowed him to capture the essence of contemporary life in Tokyo, presenting it in a quiet and elusive manner, yet lacking a strong narrative structure.

Exploring Contemporary Themes and Relationships

The film touches upon various current and socially relevant themes, including the competitive job market and the modernization of urban spaces. However, the most significant focus is on the relationship between Hiroto and Futaba. Interestingly, their connection is portrayed quite superficially, leaving viewers wondering about the nature of their bond. Only through Futaba’s conversations with others do we get glimpses of their romantic involvement.

The cinematography by Shu Hagiwara maintains a consistent style, predominantly using hand-held camera shots. While unremarkable, the shooting style doesn’t detract from the film either. The performances by the actors are average, with little chemistry between the characters and lackluster dialogue. Kaho Seto stands out with her convincing portrayal of Futaba’s distress and uncertainty about the future. It’s worth noting that the director specifically wrote this character for her.

A Personal Touch with Room for Improvement

One drawback of films where the director takes on multiple roles, such as screenwriter, editor, and producer, is their highly individualistic nature. These films tend to be crafted by one person, making it challenging for others to fully understand and appreciate them. ‘Drifting Flowers, Flowing Days’ unfortunately falls into this category, resulting in an unexpressive and unengaging experience. While the film presents interesting storylines, they are not developed enough to convey a meaningful message. The lack of a distinctive filming style and a compelling narrative contribute to a picture that is easy to watch but ultimately forgettable.

In conclusion, ‘Drifting Flowers, Flowing Days’ is a debut film that showcases Yutaka Tsunemachi’s talent and potential. While it touches on important themes and features a standout performance by Kaho Seto, the film falls short in terms of its narrative and character development. Nevertheless, it offers a glimpse into contemporary life in Tokyo and provides viewers with a quiet and introspective viewing experience.