AFTER LIFE (Japanese with subtitles)
A review by Mark R. Leeper in bullet-list form
from the Toronto Internation Film Festival
CAPSULE: The recently dead must each choose the most memorable moment of their lives to have them filmed. Once this process is complete they can continue on to heaven. The film combines documentary footage with interviews with dramatic storytelling. A little slow at times, but worthwhile over all. Rating: 6 (0 to 10), high +1 (-4 to +4)
- Directed by Hirokazu Kore-Eda. - When one dies, according to the premise of this film, each person must choose the best moment of his life to have it recreated on film, then to live it for eternity. One gets a week complete with advisors to get this accomplished. This is the story of one week in this odd purgatory. - The building used for this purpose seems to be some sort of old school building. It is one much in needing of a repainting. There is a staff of advisors, many with their own problems, trying to help the dead in their task by counseling them on what moment to choose and then helping them to get it filmed. - Much of the film is real documentary footage of people choosing and talking about the most significant moment in their lives. Actors hired for the film and when possible they talked about moments from their lives. Only the actors who had scripted key moments were those who were needed for the story. This use of interview material reminiscent of some Aardman animated films. - Not clear why the moments chosen by the dead had to be filmed by them except that the director had the facilities. Only one or two moments are seen being filmed.
Mark R. Leeper
mleeper@lucent.com
Copyright 1998 Mark R. Leeper
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