Impossible to Imagine (2019) User Reviews

East and west, the past and the future, collide in this romantic tale

[jeremy-81087 · 8/10 · 21 January 2024]

Full disclosure: I'm friends with the director and I wrote a song that was used in the film.

Japan's been a point of fascination for me - even an obsession - over the years. From afar, it felt like a place wholly unique and deeply rooted in tradition. Visiting it, I can attest that those feelings were true, and "Impossible to Imagine" exemplifies those traits so well with its protagonist, Ami. She holds so tightly to her identity and the ways of the past.

Conversely, the country has a number of demographic issues (namely an aging population), and may need to shift towards outside influence. The secondary protagonist, Hayato, an Australian-Japanese businessman is a great avatar for this. He is more up front, adaptable, and sometimes a source of discomfort for Ami.

The parallels continue with its director, Felicity Tillack, who is an immigrant to Japan herself. Her cinematic choices are distinctly Japanese (slow and thoughtfully paced) but her sense of humour is sharp and playful, I imagine more akin to her Australian heritage. Sometimes, amalgam projects can lose their identity, but this film felt authentic to both sides. I'm especially fond of the choice of locations and their representation; it was like I was walking the streets of Kyoto again.

Admittedly, there are some rough spots, but I couldn't help but nod along with the film. It felt so much like the country I love and asked many of the same questions I did. "Impossible to Imagine" may be presented as a love story, but I'll remember it as a thoughtful - and important - look at the past and future of Japan and the tension therein.

Sweet, but lacking

[Davalon-Davalon · 6/10 · 21 February 2024]

This is a simple story about a young woman who wants to keep her late mother's kimono shop running, but with the world changing, and competition from other distractions, it's become more difficult. A half-Japanese male "consultant" is recommended to her. He makes suggestions that seem to increase foot traffic amongst foreign customers, and in the process he and the young woman fall in love.

There are hints at other storylines, but they don't really go anywhere. It doesn't seem any of the actors are professional, although the two leads were quite appealing.

Although it is a "modern-day" story, something about it felt like a a wistful, nostalgic observation on a time that has passed us by.

There are lots of lovely shots of nature and the soundtrack is generally traditional Japanese music (except when it's inexplicably punctuated by "modern" music--all of which distracted from the film).

There were some uneven moments and uneven transitions, but it seemed clear that writer/director Felicity Tillack has a deep love for Japan and a deep sensitivity to its people.

This film does have some charm, but the stakes are not high enough to be truly engaging. But there is a hint of promise in the filmmaker, especially when it comes to capturing beautiful nature shots.

Touching an daring

[mjdirocco · 8/10 · 31 March 2023]

A film worth watching for its bold approach to life in Japan. Not the typical love story you'd find on screen but instead the typical one you'd find living in Japan. I watched this film at a festival in Kyushu and the audience was quite taken by the film and were at some points nodding in agreement with the main characters. It's indie, but well shot and with the filmmaker risking more than her money on this film you'll certainly learn a lot from this film--it's very humanizing in a place that may not seem human to a lot of people. I really hope this film gets the attention it rightfully deserves.

It screams "amateur"

[toastrco · 1/10 · 18 February 2023]

This movie looks like it was a school project done by students who quickly learned a few things about filmmaking. It looks a bit like they tried to imitate Ozu Yasujiro, but failed miserably.

While some of the writing isn't that bad, at times, the story is too random and repetitive. About 12 minutes into the movie, the main male character walks into the house and has a conversation with the woman, then leaves. Then right after, he's back again and does the same thing, but it's a completely different day. The filmmaking is atrocious and cheesy. It looks like the filmmaker wanted to cram every little trick he learned into this movie, so you will find cheesy transitions, freeze time effect (right at the beginning) and slow motion that was shot in wrong frame rate and then slowed down, so the slow motion is choppy. Many shots are overexposed.

Colour grading and white balance is all over the place; it's like the cinematographer shot it in auto everything. Many scenes are repetitive and filmed in exactly the same spot.

The acting is not the best, the dialogs seem forced and awkward and the actors appear to be stiff.

Framing of shots is also very, very bad and so you'll see actors' top of the heads being cut off or their shoulder is cut off, because they're too far left or too far right in the frame.

I think whoever gave this movie a positive review might be a friend or family of the filmmaker, because the movie is done very poorly.

Unique, Compelling and Insightful

[jcairns-468-29228 · 10/10 · 21 March 2021]

Just finished watching this wonderful film and feel a need to share my thoughts right away.

First off, as I was watching the initial half hour or so , it reminded me of a great BBC series called A YEAR IN PROVENCE because, in a similar fashion, it captured the quotidian life of a small kimono shop owner in Kyoto in a purely entertaining way. In this case though, the main character isn't a fish out of water, but the film took the very challenging approach of revealing the complexities of her life through the interaction with an "outsider".

Not going to say any spoilers but by the end of the film I felt I could understand more deeply several characters' points of view that I wouldn't really have understood before. Honestly, I'm glad I didn't know much about the film going in because these aren't the type of characters I'd normally find sympathetic at all. Yet the film, skillfully and subtly, led me down a new path and by the end I felt I missed the characters and their world and sympathized with their choices, strengths and vulnerabilities.

Introspective Love Story & Love Letter for Japan

[angelkenshin · 10/10 · 7 February 2021]

I had the pleasure of watching "Impossible to Imagine" at the Kyoto Premiere, as well as on-demand about a year later. I enjoyed this movie for many reasons - and as a filmmaker, I greatly respect this project as an independent film. For one, I felt "Impossible to Imagine" was a beautiful, thoughtful and cohesive romantic drama. I was engaged by the story, and drawn in by the characters' relationship and journey, which I felt were plausible and believable. I happen to be fond of romantic drama as a genre, and this film captured my heart and imagination. As part of the plot, the background of traditional culture weighed against modern approaches was also a relevant, fascinating subject matter that served the story well - and was also a nice fit for Kyoto, and Japanese society. The film effectively balances the drama, romance, societal elements and Japanese customs in a way that kept me engaged and entertained, while also being thought-provoking. I never felt one aspect was too much. The mix of race and language as part of the plot was an enjoyable element for me, and felt it was well integrated in the writing, casting, and performances. As a fan of international cinema, as well as Japanese cinema, I very much enjoyed seeing the characters speaking multiple languages and engaging Japanese culture - new and old - from different viewpoints. I happen to love Kyoto as well, and felt this film captures the beauty of Kyoto as well as as local back-roads, quiet corners and small shops one would never see as a tourist. This really added to the realism of the film, and made me feel like I was watching a true slice-of-life love story and drama unfolding, as though tucked away in a hidden part of Kyoto. There are also other beautiful scenic shots of Japan later in the film (no spoilers!) that are part of an emotionally stirring payoff and conclusion I truly wasn't expecting. After learning more about the project afterward, I was surprised to discover how intentional the film was in addressing and exploring its themes and "question" of Japan's future regarding cultural preservation and adaptation. As an entertaining film with introspection and a timely message, I think "Impossible to Imagine" wonderfully uses an intimate romantic drama to explore massive themes and questions about culture, family and society that are genuinely worth exploring.

Wonderful Nuanced Debut

[sean-bell-1 · 10/10 · 23 August 2021]

What a wonderful, nuanced debut. This is a romantic story handled with a delicacy and sweetness befitting of the characters. Long, charming scenes walking through the streets of Kyoto are reminiscent of the Before Sunrise Trilogy.

Great performances and the charming architecture and scenery you'd expect from this picturesque region. Some of the cultural themes around mixed race, foreigners and their attitudes were fascinating to me as a westerner.

Recommended for fans of meandering romance.

Beautiful romantic drama

[khochmuth-05157 · 10/10 · 8 August 2021]

I finally had the pleasure of being able to watch this movie after becoming available in Australia.

It's a beautifully shot movie with such a fantastic focus on the beauty and culture of Kyoto. It also explores some of the difficulties of how ancient culture has been thrust into modern times and how different people cope with these changes. Through these difficulties new relationships are forged and tested. The characters are real, and I enjoyed watching their progression across the movie. The complexities of human nature and relationships are on show in this movie and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it unfold on screen.

A impressive first feature film with great things to come!!

Skillfully executed, beautiful cinematography

[aok-84505 · 10/10 · 11 September 2021]

A skillfully executed work, with beautiful cinematography of Kyoto, which explores the age-old questions of cultural identity and changing (or not) with the times. The dialogue between the protagonist and her love interest as they grew closer was especially natural and touching.

Great insight into Japanese life in Kyoto

[geofftaft · 10/10 · 17 August 2021]

This movie is well made made and very entertaining. It gave me great insight into the Japanese life in Kyoto and the cohabitation of 2 different worlds, the traditional one and the modern one, which I didn't know existed.

I enjoyed it a lot :)

A BEAUTIFUL COMPLEXITY

[cjkgwdh · 10/10 · 26 July 2021]

An unforgettable movie that speaks to the heart. It was well portrayed by actors who exemplified great chemistry. It is a brilliant movie that touches on sensitive issues such as biracial relationships, tourism problems in an overly crowded destination like Kyoto, etc. This beautiful movie shows the struggles of traditional businesses in Japan, how the complex issues of tourism affect preserving culture and traditions in the modern world narrated in a very effective way.

The picturesque shots of Kyoto in the movie were magical and the cinematography is excellent. The direction is outstanding and the writing and editing are equally compelling. The direction and coordination of some of the scenes are fantastic, making you wonder what happens next. The director manages to get superb performances out of all his actors; the story weaves all the simple complexities of Ami's struggles and issues in life. All of it was beautiful and enjoyable to watch.

It is a touching and unforgettable movie that I will definitely recommend to anyone! Really enjoyed it and I look forward to watching it again!

Beautiful love story!

[minoruchizu · 10/10 · 25 July 2021]

I really enjoyed watching this movie!

Thre were so many things to like about it. The story,beautiful scenery of Kyoto, the music and so on.

It made me think a lot about my relationship with my family and our culture. It is said that the way that family works in Japan has changed over the past few decades but maybe not fundamentally. Being a family isn't always easy.

I'm not a big fan of romantic movies but I really love this one. It's fascinating!!

Great Film!

[bujinkan_2001 · 10/10 · 22 August 2021]

Some great, touching scenes. And very profound stuff about national identity. Also, wonderful casting and music!

Beautiful Story About Japan

[tokyofashionista · 10/10 · 22 December 2021]

Thank you for this brilliant film!

One of the best things about this movie is that it's so relatable. I'm lucky to have live here in Japan for more than 25 years. Even if I live here that long, there are plenty of things I still don't know about. It is such a beautiful country with many refined traditions that I think needs to keep those alive to maintain their amazing culture. And this film shows a lot of those.

Plus great learning about some of the most fascinating traditions here in Japan.

Congratulations to everyone who made this film! Well done!!

If you like romance genres it's a must see

[donna-662-555810 · 9/10 · 14 September 2021]

Luckily for me I do and as a long time resident of Tokyo it was interesting to learn more about quieter Kyoto.

Now with the pandemic, seeing the crowds of Kyoto was bittersweet.

The story get me guessing and the ending was satisfying (no spoilers from me!) I thought the trailer made the the heroine annoying but in the movie she was way more likable.

This was beautifully shot and and music was perfect.

A nice movie for an indulgent girls afternoon!

Must Watch For Fans of Kyoto!

[heathoffy · 10/10 · 15 December 2021]

Impossible to Imagine's story, acting, production, and setting are excellent for this level of film-making. Highly recommended for casual and diehard fans of indie films, Japanese culture, and out-of-the-box romantic dramas with a unique heart and social conscience.

As an indie film set in Kyoto, it is a highly recommended watch.

Insightful Debut

[thegreatyear-38398 · 9/10 · 3 April 2023]

Tillack's film plays Australian humour through a Japanese medium. Watching rigid Japanese property owners struggle with changes driven by global tourism was relatable but also funny on many levels. Crass global consumerism has its opportunities as well as it's pitfalls :)

I enjoyed the romance and the interaction with different Japanese characters, who often dimensionalised after seemingly stereotypical introductions.

Some of the characters such as the old man with creeping dementia show alot if unrealised potential. Tillack's future projects will hopefully capitalise on these idiosyncratic and unique characters.

Sensitive and thoughtful

[renatatailor · 10/10 · 31 March 2023]

I live in Kyoto and this movie beautifully captures the essence of the city. Not just related to architecture, streets or atmosphere, but it also captures the characters and personalities of Kyoto people.

The director has sensitive eye for small details, which are easy to miss even if you are traveling or living in Kyoto. If you visit Kyoto after watching this movie, it can feel like "I was already here".

The main conflict on the movie is a really actual one, a discussion which emerges many times in real conversations too.

If you want to enjoy an authentic and sensitive movie about the complicated relationship between tradition and modern in the contemporary era, I recommend this one.