A Gentle Breeze in the Village

As the title suggests, this is nice, lighthearted fare. Set in a small village in rural Japan, 'A Gentle Breeze...' is the story of an 8th grade girl, Yoyo, and the new student to the school, Osawa, who becomes her first boyfriend. Though the film primarily explores themes central to young adolescence (the loss of innocence, the mixture of sadness and excitement of change), it's also a lamentation on the decline of pastoral life in contemporary Japan.

The languid pacing, sun-drenched cinematography, and adorable cast make for pleasant, laidback viewing. At times, it was almost like watching a litter of puppies playing with each other, with many audience members (myself included) unable to refrain from tilting their heads and cooing, 'Awww' each time the youngest student appeared on screen.

If there is any darkness, it's hinted at in brief, fleeting moments--the suggestion of a father's infedility, the light teasing of friends that could become bullying but doesn't-- that pass quickly. [To the audience member who claimed, in her 'question' to the director during the Q&A, that she was really worried Osawa was being manipulated by Yoyo, I hope you were able to get some sleep last night. Also, you may want to pick up a newspaper, read any article about what's happening internationally, and get a life.]

To some, a story like this may sound a tad dull, but it really was a beautiful film that I enjoyed more than I thought I would. Why have I suddenly become a sucker for such sentimentality?

A quick glance back at the films I've seen over the past 7 days at the festival may shed some clues. On screen I've witnessed countless brutal murders by drowing, firearm, and airgun, a suicide by hanging, the self-severance of an ear, and the brutal group beating death of a young boy. Guess this film was a bit of an antidote.

Reccomended viewing, particularly if you're looking a cinematic experience with your parents that avoids discomfort for both parties.