BREAKFAST READS
Displayed films: "Summer Garden", "Celestial Drift", "Love's Evolutionary Path"...
Just like Wes Anderson's latest, "The French Dispatch," hitting theaters on May 28, where a wealthy tycoon dying defies death, leaving his riches up for grabs, the cinematic landscape this week showcases a cryptic absence. Japanese masterminds such as Shinji Somai in "Summer Garden," with children curious about death lurking, and Kiyoshi Kurosawa in "Cloud," deploying a brutal, self-destructive philosophy. "Horizon" presents the spectral remnants of Colombia's civil war, while "Hold On" documents, with grit, a teetering public hospital.
Belle Epoch
"Summer Garden": Pioneering Spirit from Japan
Dive back into Shinji Somai's cinema, after gems like "Moving" (1993) and "Typhoon Club" (1985). Summer Garden hits French theaters. The movie revolves around three elementary school students from Kobe, Japan, teetering on the brink of summer vacation, fascinated by the great enigma of death. In pursuit of a glimpse, they hatch a plan tailored to their age. Stalking an old hermit, Kihachi Denpo, living in a neglected dwelling, they dream of his imminent demise. As pests in his weedy garden, the friends spy on, sneak about, and infiltrate his territory. The narrative dives deep into the cruelty of their actions, only to unveil the old man's newfound purpose—bestowing tasks he can no longer manage upon the snooping kids: weeding, painting, repairing, planting. The film's brilliance lies in its portrayal of this universal truth within the constraints of a small garden—by swapping weeds for cosmos, the three children illustrate how the cosmos pass through its tiniest parts. At the base of the garden lies a bottomless well, whose depth remains a mystery, yet mirrors the children’s faces like a pendant. This well serves as a soulful reserve, a source of amazement, and the conduit for the final poetic surge, shrouding it in a fairy tale aura—the tales that originate from the heart of childhood, equipping us to confront death. Munchkins & Mastodons
Here are a few things to consider
- Shinji Somai's films often showcase sensitive and nuanced explorations of family dynamics and personal struggles.
- If "Summer Garden" is a film by Shinji Somai, its themes might revolve around family relationships, personal growth, or the emotional journeys of characters in challenging circumstances.
- For a deeper understanding of "Summer Garden," it would be beneficial to consult film databases, reviews, or historical records related to Shinji Somai's filmography.
Movies-and-TV genre can include Shinji Somai's latest work, "Summer Garden," which investigates the universal theme of death. The film, a part of Somai's entertainment repertoire, offers a sensitive exploration of three children's journey toward understanding mortality.
When contemplating Shinji Somai's film career, one might find similar themes of family dynamics and personal struggles, making "Summer Garden" an intriguing addition to the entertainment landscape.
