Naomi Kawase meditates on our relationship with time and nature

 

Nature has always had pride of place in Naomi Kawase’s films – “people’s suffering in modern societies is connected to our inability to admit that we are just a part of nature. In my films, it is almost as though people play supporting roles. I give the lead role to nature.”

 

The story takes place in the Asuka region, the cradle of Japan. Once the people here simply enjoyed the passing time – now, people no longer have the patience. Takumi and Kayoko lead their life seeking to maintain the unfulfilled hopes and dreams of their grandparents. They carry the stories and spirit of bygone years within them.

 

“In ancient times, people took more time and waited a long time for their dreams to be fulfilled. Sometimes they waited for things to come to maturity, for someone they loved to love them back, or for their family to return. And sometimes they waited, even when they knew that there was no longer any point in waiting,” says the director.

 

In our age when everything moves quickly and speed is king, Naomi Kawase lauds the virtue of patience and suggests that maybe our ancestors had a better sense of priorities. Her works often have a particular focus on the intimate feelings and sensitivities of the characters, and she gives them an authenticity. For this film she asked the actors to stay on location for a month and a half so that they were naturally at ease with their surroundings.

 

 

E.B.