Neboke which screened at the Montreal World Film Festival 2015 and which I had the chance to see at a special screening in Montreal is a surprising little gem. It deals with the "Rakugo" century-old oral tradition of storytelling. Filmed in two weeks and with what seemed a limited budget it weaves all the right elements to make one appreciate the beauty around him/her.
This eye-opening movie deals with relationships, family, money, failure, death, art and love. A central theme is alcoholism and it is tied to the performance of a revered "Turning Point" piece both my the master and the main character. It is not overly melodramatic or trying to instill an unrealistic moral compass or code. It is very real, sad and beautiful. Yet there is room for humour, warmth, tenderness, frailty, friendship and dare I say true love. A love that starts from within and radiates.
I hope it does well when it is released in native Japan and can reach people in as many markets and households as possible. See it if you get the opportunity and be witness to some realness and soberness.
