The Parades

This film came out a few days and there isn't a single review so I decided to write one because I want to recommend it.

I decided to watch it because of the music (radwimps is my favorite band). The first thirty minutes are like an introduction and from then on it gets better as we spend time with the characters from the group. The film is only two hours long but it made me feel for each of the characters, which was amazing. It is an emotional movie, sad and hopeful, made me cry at least five times. This was the most I have cried in any movie I think.

I wish this film would get more recognition, as for now there are not many votes on this platform. But it is very good. I liked the ending and the final song. Read the plot and if it interests you, give it a try.

Good japanese thriller about the afterlife, that happens about the time of Fukushima disaster. The rhythm of the story is slow.

It follows a woman that is a soul without accomplishing her objective at Earth (it can be in or out life).

Good characters, sensitive movie - maybe not fit for everyone. It have a Ghibli characteristics to it, without the cute characters.

Good photography, but do not expect FX effects to compensate the natural / supernatural interactions.

But in the end it lacks something to enhance it more - maybe more emotion on the scenes to bring tears to the eyes. My score: 6,5 / 10,0 / B-.

The concept had potential but the execution of it just doesn't work, and the movie we see unfortunately just becomes more and more of a contrived farce rather than achieve any sense of considered poignancy that was probably the intention.

It would have worked much much better if the characters were just alive and looking for their loved ones and deliverance rather than dead souls that ludicrously had to eat, smoke, drink, check into rooms, sleep on beds, ride motorbikes and hitch rides in vans to get around.... oh wait ... aren't those things live people do??

Making them dead doesn't add anything at all other than just another ridiculous pointless gimmick.

And zero reason of any sort - because there was conceivably none, other than just another nonsensical contrivance - that these vehicle riding souls can only 'parade' around silently once a month to seek out their loved ones ... and yes now they have to walk in droves ... why? Just silly nonsense which also has next to nothing to do with the movie's content despite being entitled "The Parades".

The subpar stony faced 'acting' by some of the actors didn't help any, coupled with bland meandering overly melodramatic scripting that doesn't work.

Characters also bafflingly change in their nature and motivation which actually caused them to lose identity and depth, and viewers soon care less and less about them.

There are also too many sub-plots none of which are naturally captivating enough ... resulting in an obvious paint-by-numbers amateurish attempt.

Throw in too constant patronising mellow muzak to 'guide' viewers how they should feel at oh so melodramatic moments is just off-putting yucky.

A try of sorts, but no, just immature and poorly executed. The writer and director seem to be more caught up with gimmicky ideas and melodramatic effects that they neither have the skills nor resources to execute properly, rather than making a compelling movie that viewers can immerse themselves in.

"The Parades" is a powerful film, brought to life by expert script and direction. I watched the Japanese version with English subtitles, immersing myself in the superb art direction, sound design, and filming that together help to realize the director's vision on screen. The background piano music is just right-it enters like a seasoned actor and leaves without overstaying.

Actor Lily Franky delivers an incredible performance as Michael, with Masami Nagasawa as Minako and Ryusei Yokohama captivating as Shori the Yakuza gangster. In fact, all of the actors deserve credit for their superb acting. Watching them navigate their character arcs was a highlight, moving through the carnival ground and cabins, which serve as a wonderful metaphor for Limbo, reflecting on their lives and unresolved issues. It's also wonderful to find camera movements that work with the pace of the film, adding to its unique charm.

For too long, I have been watching run-of-the-mill films that lack any substance, mere fodder for the brain. "The Parades," however, will stay with me for some time as I try to explore some of the subtlety in the film. The art direction is so precise I want to watch again and capture what I missed the first time.

Some experts have not given kind reviews, but they are the experts whereas I'm just a viewer who loved it. I hope there are many more like me who will find its depth and beauty as engaging as I did.

In conclusion, writer/director Michihito Fujji has created a masterpiece. This is the first time I have seen his work, and I suspect his influences would be from other writer/directors Akira Kurosawa, Giuseppe Tornatore, and Roberto Benigni. Their impact on his storytelling and visual style is palpable, making "The Parades" a must-watch for those who appreciate cinema that marries profound themes with exquisite execution.

This movie is excellent and gives an interesting perspective into the life after death genre. Heartfelt and well done in all respects. I loved the ending and think it is well worth the time. Michihito Fuji did a wonderful job writing and directing this feature. I look forward to seeing his other movies. The actors in this film did an awesome job. The music was just as fantastic. If you get the chance please watch. Get your popcorn and candy ready and if you've a tendency for tear jerkers you might need some tissues as well. Just sit back and enjoy. This movie is definitely a ten out of ten and would watch again.