Furochoju

This gem of a short film has it all: great acting, subtle humor, excellent craftsmanship. There are only two actors, but they are clearly experienced professionals. Their performances are understated but very witty. Apparently the plot was inspired by real-life events in Japan in which thieves took advantage of senior citizens. However, Mr. Ogata has pulled off some trickery of his own by introducing a poignant and satisfying twist to the story. This short film would be perfect for IFC or the Sundance channel. Let us hope this director will soon try his hand at a full-length feature film. I highly recommend this very promising effort.