Eiga Sai 2012

I promised a childhood friend that I would list down the movies to look forward to in Eiga Sai this year. Since it came back to our city 6 years ago, I always make it a point to watch most, if not all movies. One of the perks of this film fest is that we can watch the movies for free. But if you are going to ask me, that is the last reason I will tell people why it is worth looking forward to each year.

This year, I am happy that I was able to watch most of the featured films. I am even happier to realize that it was my first time to witness the opening ceremony and hear the national anthem of Japan (sans the lyrics. Daym!). So without any further ado, these are the movies that I have seen this year, with my reason/s why they are worth the watch.

1. PEAK-The Rescuers-This is a must watch for mountaineers and nature lovers. I am more of the latter so I was basically looking forward to the dialogues that have references to nature or to the beauty of it (not to mention it was Shun Oguri saying those beautiful lines...). There are some breathtaking scenes here and I must say, the "audience impact" made the movie a fun watch for me and my sister (my all time Eiga Sai buddy).

2. In His Chart-My sister was looking forward to watching this (she can relate to the plot more than me) & I am glad that she was able to catch this one. The movie has a slow and tedious start, but never boring. I guess  the slowness is one of the reasons why the story is so beautiful it made me ask myself why this did not come out when I was struggling on my thesis back in college. A little warning, though. Make certain you have tissues handy. My sister & I searched for our packs during the second half of the movie.

3. Colorful-  I felt bad missing the first couple of minutes of this film. But am glad that those were not the very important parts yet. This featured animation is also a good one despite not having a sci-fi or extraordinary theme and characters. I think I can consider this more of a coming of age film, so I guess it is also okay that they animated this movie. The summary raves of its style and backdrop. But personally, I would rave on the story more than the animation.

4. Tomorrow's Joe-I am not a boxing fan, but this is my second fave this year. I love the setting (60s & 70s are perfect decades for time travel) & the story (as always). It kinda reminds me of Hajime no Ippo & Baki the Grappler (my bro's fave animes)--eye candy version, of course! Joe & the kontrabida can pass for a sight for sore eyes! hahaha! Two sidenotes for this movie: [1] while watching, I can't help but imagine Rustom and Epi in the boxing ring. Weird combi? I think so, too! hahaha! (The second to the last statement is open for argument.:P) [2] in case you fail to catch this film, or you prefer to watch it online, YouTube made the ENTIRE VIDEO available with English subs together with good 'ol Asian flicks (A post Eiga-Sai discovery. Still never too late for me.:P).

5. Abacus and Sword- I was not interested to watch this movie at first based on what I read in the flyer. I was about to skip it and spend the time instead buying me late lunch and munchies, but the interval was long enough for me to do all that. That made me decide to watch this film, anyway.

I've always loved Japanese period films, so it made me forget the reason why I was not interested in the movie's plot. So basically, I was enjoying the movie because I was seeing kimonos, traditional wedding ceremonies, and weird hairdos for males. The plot grew on me, eventually. Like an "In His Chart" kinda feel. And of course, let us not forget the abacus scenes. Those are one of the best parts!

6. Villain- My most anticipated film, thanks to Satoshi-kun. But after watching, I realized that it has the darkest plot I practically left the movie house disturbed [not in a super bad way, of course]. Probably because I was not used to seeing Satoshi in a heavy, matured role. But in all fairness, it was a good perf from him. Total hands down on his acting!

As far as the entire movie is concerned, I love the transition from one character to the other, from one scene to the next. The story may be heavy, but for a hopeless romantic [like me], it will totally make you ask, "What is love anyway?" and "Where can we really find it?"

As always, I left the movie theater feeling refreshed, like I just had a two-day retreat from a peaceful place (an absolute irony, if you'll ask me!). This is what those films give me. And I am glad that for another year, it gave me that kind of high again good enough until December.

And I am looking forward to next year again. I just hope that the schedule will be longer and more flexible. Who knows, it might make me 100% present in all films!:)