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.
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.