Movielogr
Eureka (2000)
Directed by Shinji Aoyama
Twitter Facebook Google+Drama | Crime | Road Movie
Overview
In rural Japan, the survivors of a tragedy converge and attempt to overcome their damaged selves, all while a serial killer is on the loose.
Length 218 minutes
Actors
Koji Yakusho | Aoi Miyazaki | Masaru Miyazaki | Yôichirô Saitô | Sayuri Kokushô | Ken Mitsuishi | Yutaka Matsushige | Sansei Shiomi | Machiko Ono | Eihi Shiina | Gô Rijû | Kimie Shingyôji | Denden | Yûji Nakamura | Eimei Esumi | Yôko Noma | Hajime Inoue | Seigi Ozeki | Tetsuro Honda
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/12/2019 | Movie Screen | Film | Theater | 8 stars |
| (Average) 8 stars |
Viewing Notes
Rather extraordinary film by Shinji Aoyama. Wasn’t on my radar until I realized that this movie is difficult to obtain by reasonable means (only foreign home video releases that are of questionable quality). Also it’s a 3.5 hour film that’s not quite black & white but sepia toned. So initially wasn’t planning on making the effort to visit Doc Films for this but was motivated by that info knowing that I probably wouldn’t be able to see this film otherwise.
So I made the hour+ drive down to Hyde Park to view this and I’m very happy that I did. This is the kind of movie that probably works best in a theatrical setting. The tone, the length, the sepia color, etc. are best suited for a focused, non-distracted viewing to appreciate it. Viewing at home it’d be easy to pause (it’s long!) and wander and not give this full attention. In the theater, in 35mm no less, you get to experience the magnitude and emotion of this film. This is another reason why I value the theatrical experience.
Not really knowing much beyond the basic plot this movie goes places I was not expecting. And it’s rewarding at every step. How it deals with trauma, grief, and survivor guilt is both sad and triumphant. These characters are each taking a different path to dealing with a horrific event. Not all are successful yet forge a relationship that is heartfelt and poignant.
Of the four films I’ve seen in this “Kinetic Visions” series, this one is easily the most powerful because it conveys a true sense of grief and self-torture while making strides to overcome and move forward.
Also notable is the excellent cast led by the always terrific Koji Yakusho with a very young Aoi Miyazaki in support. Was neat to see Eihi Shiina show up in a key role.
I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
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