Kishibe no tabi

After having watched the brilliant Japanese film 'Sakebi' (Retribution) directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, I was very much looking forward to watch the latest film by one of the most acclaimed masters of horror/thriller cinema in Japan. A prize at Cannes Film Festival 2015 in its prestigious 'Un certain regard' category is something which might induce viewers to choose this film at a film festival. I also thought along the same lines when I booked this film but in many ways, I was utterly disappointed with 'Journey to the shore'. It is a well made film which might induce viewers to travel within Japan especially to small, unknown places. However, as a film by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, one would surely miss the elements of suspense and thriller. They have been replaced with elements of drama and music. They remind astute viewers of the director's previous film 'Tokyo Sonata'. Acting performances by lead players are nice. It could be one of the reasons to watch this film. However, one would surely be disappointed if a viewer intends to explore new mechanisms of horror, thriller or suspense in this film.