Tokyo!, a 3 short film rolled into one title, was an intriguing cinematic experience! It had been on my watchlist for several years but I never felt compelled to see it because of its lame title, until recently when I found out that Bong Joon Ho directed one of the entries. I mean, who am I to say no to Uncle? Hehe.
The first story, Interior Design, was an insightful view of the living conditions that young Japanese face on the modern mega city. It makes sense given their population density but Tokyo had always been perfect for me that I just shrugged off these possibilities. Ironically, Hiroko's crisis is comforting since I am at this stage of my life where I just go with the flow without a solid ambition for the future. She has dreams but it's too uncool for the world. Up here! Being able to identify with that struggle eased a little bit of tension in my COVID-challenged disposition. Most importantly, I have been reminded that usefulness is a relative concept that people innately have.
Merde, the second story, on the other hand, was a bit of a let down. I think the reviews are consensus that this is the weakest among the three. It just didn't connect with me. Even so, I still enjoyed its weirdness that sparked a discussion on my head. Was Merde a reflection of our greediness? Or our wildest desires?
Lastly, Shaking Tokyo was in all ways therapeutic. I'm so glad to be introduced to Hikikomori which is vaguely similar to what the whole world is practicing right now although we are forced to go in isolation with the ongoing pandemic. I love the attention to detail of this story and the playful camera works. Every day is the same as the next but there will always come a time that it will not be. I can't wait for that moment to arrive!!!!
