Still Walking

2008 JP Hirokazu Koreeda
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Modest, unassuming film about the joy and sadness of families and their passing. The mode? A gathering in a quiet, seaside town: parents, children, spouses, grandchildren. Interactions tease out complex relationships and the persistence of the past—of past histories. There is pain, the death of a young son / brother commemorated each year, but also happiness, love, and the beautiful inevitability of child becoming parent. Characters are vibrant, well-written: faulty creatures with goodness at heart. The old order is different from the new, but only superficially. Differences are often mere theatre. Therein lies the tragedy: disconnection is a choice, a punishment against the self. We are Still Waiting because we choose not to ask, answer, engage. And then they're gone, our families—and we realize our selfishness. Style: camera is unobtrusive, floating; edits are invisible. Original title: Aruitemo aruitemo.