One of the most beautiful, life-affirming experiences I can recall on screen.
The idea of the cricket being kind of timid and big-hearted while being the monster who ruined her, is creating a classic comedic twist. The guy is pure sleaze, like a Yakuza boss. It is funny to think how it is the same actor, because we never doubt him.
This contrast of danger with innocence is Somai's best theme. Youth exist in an island shielded from the worst of things. At the start we cannot anticipate she is an immature 17-yesr old girl. She's so glamerous and composed, she rehearsed her line for the cameras, told by adults what to say, who to be.
The film then sets out to deconstruct the forces creating the facade.
You realize it is not death that took her youth from her but these adult world bureacracies.
Her teenage job in fast food, a place she wasn't allowed to work growing up. Who will be so excited to work such places?
There is constantly a heartbreak along its edges it never indulges that we always feel. It can fall there any time, and would earn it. Yet she is all smiles. She never pushes back too hard. She never goes into self-pity. All things she could.
So it makes me think of why the cricket is so playful. I realized he does not offer this to just anyone who dies, but that he feels horrible for her. All her excitement, energy, enthusiasm, and her life ahead. So he entertains her and plays along. He lets her decide at every point.
The world broke its rules to protect its kids so death will break its rules too.
Suddenly it is playing two movies at once, the tragedy as well as her getting her youth out of her system. Occasionally it dips into both places where the film achieves its power.
