I stumbled upon the movie “After the Storm” (2016) while browsing through a collection of films centered around writers. My movie list is always evolving, and as of now, it boasts 378 films.
Right off the bat, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this film and highly recommend it. It’s a tranquil narrative that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who appreciate a soothing story, it’s a must-watch.
What sets “After the Storm” (2016) apart is its gentle tone devoid of emotional extremes like shouting or aggression. Instead, it offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of its characters, filled with camaraderie and the mundane beauty of existence. Though there’s a fleeting moment of tension, it quickly dissipates, leaving behind a sense of tranquility.
The film captivates with its anticipation of a significant plot twist or revelation, yet it ultimately finds its substance in the simplicity of its own narrative. The core of the film lies in the journey itself, the process of life unfolding, and the connections formed along the way.
The initial thirty minutes are dedicated to introducing the main character, delving into his routines, quirks, moods, and relationships. Despite my attempts to unravel the enigma surrounding the depicted writer, it remained elusive, adding to the allure of the storyline.
The absence of dramatic events serves as the main seasoning in this cinematic dish. It’s a flavorful portrayal of ordinary Japanese family life, relying on familiar ingredients that resonate with the audience’s own experiences. By the end, you’re left wanting more, as the film’s authenticity and craftsmanship leave you yearning for another serving.
Childishness and unwillingness to let go of the past. Fantasies, impossible dreams, lethargy of reality, frankly childish perception of the world, selfishness.
These traits can be challenging to reconcile with the demands of everyday adult life, which emphasize responsibilities, financial stability, and forward planning. However, they are often readily apparent in creative individuals, particularly writers.
Questions. Main character
The film “After the Storm” / “Umi yori mo mada fukaku” (2016) delves into a realm of introspection, inviting viewers to ponder alongside its protagonist, Shinoda Ryôta. Through subtle nuances and unspoken dialogues, the film weaves a tapestry of questions that linger in the air.
At the heart of it all is the value of those sticky notes adorning a corner of Shinoda Ryôta’s space, each bearing a weighty question. One in particular stands out: “Why did my life turn out the way it did?”
It’s a query that typically demands an adult’s introspection, yet Ryôta finds himself grappling with it, unable to grasp a satisfying answer. Instead, the unanswered questions accumulate like layers of dust, adorning the walls of his weathered home.
Ryôta’s struggle to find clarity mirrors a universal human experience, where we often confront questions without easy solutions. As new inquiries emerge, the old ones linger, a silent testament to the complexities of existence and the quest for understanding.
“I just said something profound. You can use it in your next novel. Write it down or you’ll forget it” /Shinoda Yoshiko, mother/
Despite his sorrowful immaturity, indecisiveness, propensity for lying, and internal contradictions, Shinoda Ryôta possesses a magnetic allure. Despite his flaws, he captivates others with his authenticity and tranquility. He convinces himself that he possesses “the keen eye of a writer,” yet remains oblivious to the vast emotional chasm separating him from his son and ex-wife.
Repeatedly seeking out experiences to feel alive—be it through connection, excitement, loss, risk-taking, alcohol, work, or perpetual financial struggle—Ryôta teeters on the brink of revelation. He yearns for the elusive answer to life’s questions, poised to birth yet another phenomenal book.
“Talent that reveals itself late…” he muses aloud, unabashedly justifying his state of utter destitution and dreamy, childlike disposition.
Direction and script
The director successfully combined several components together with the screenwriter. It is not surprising that they made a good duet, because it is the same person: Koreeda Hirokazu, who has a huge list of nominations and awards. In the film “After the Storm” (Umi yori mo mada fukaku, After the Storm) he found the perfect balance.
There is nothing superfluous here, the pauses form space, the distance between the characters, the dialogues try to build shaky bridges between them, the events serve only as a background for the basis of the action – life.
“Umi yori mo mada fukaku” (After the Storm) (2016) is a film of anticipation, an intricate web of intrigue. The serene beauty inherent in Japanese cinematography subtly unsettles with its portrayal of the ordinary.
A film about a writer
As I said above, “After the Storm” (2016) raises questions that writers themselves have to answer, because it concerns them directly. For example, the painful and relevant theme of the film “writer and money”, “writer and poverty”.
Should a good writer earn a lot?
Can a poor writer create something worthwhile?
Can a mediocre writer be rich?
The main character Shinoda Ryôta does not answer these questions directly, but portrays what he did not want to be, because he did not want to become anyone and simply became a writer. Maybe because he was good at writing since childhood and his mother paid attention to his talent more than once, maybe because he didn’t like or wasn’t good at other things like writing.
But before us is an author who is successful only in a limited environment, he continues to drag old memories and problems into the present and future, not creating anything new at night and not noticing how life passes.
I highly recommend this film to every author. It offers a poignant portrayal of a writer who, despite identifying as such, has yet to attain significant success, recognition, or fame, and ultimately faces the harsh reality of poverty. Watching this film provides valuable insight into the challenges and complexities of the writing journey, serving as a sobering reminder of the potential pitfalls and struggles that may lie ahead.
This is his [protagonist’s] attractiveness; despite all this, he continues to live with the hope of creating something worthy, because he is a “Talent that reveals itself late…”
Acting performance, casting
The actors did their job flawlessly, even the little one (son of the main character).
The writer’s mother, Shinodu Yoshiko, played Kiki Kirin perfectly, despite a number of illnesses, from which she died two years after the premiere of “Deeper than Sea” (another movie title) in 2016.
Aftertaste
The film’s ending is laced with grief. It stems not from a lack of answers, but from the very real connection we’ve formed with the characters. Over the past two hours, they’ve become like family – endearing in their normalcy and genuine in their interactions. We’re left with a bittersweet hope: that they’ll find happiness, smile more often, cherish their friendships, and maybe even weather a few more typhoons together.
What other titles does the movie “After the Storm” (2016) have?
“Umi yori mo mada fukaku” in localization has title “After the storm”.
Original title: 海よりもまだ深く . Literal translation from Japanese “Even deeper than the sea”.
Conclusions
“After the Storm” (Umi yori mo mada fukaku) is a film that rewards repeat viewings. It’s a self-contained story that unfolds organically, without the constraints of a clear-cut plot or a breakneck pace. Yet, it builds a steady tension fueled by anticipation – anticipation for answers, for pivotal moments, for decisive actions.
For me, a mark of a truly captivating film is the desire to revisit it and the lingering attachment to the characters, making it difficult to say goodbye.
It seems that everything is very banal, and as if you do not notice something. It seems clear who is who, but what wonderful people who just talk to each other and live their lives.
It was just a little short of a masterpiece, but I think it’s this imperfection that makes Deeper than the Sea (2016) (海よりもまだ深く, Umi yori mo mada fukaku, After the Storm) outstanding and worthy of attention, viewing and a place in my list of the best films of all times and nations.
My rating for the movie 海よりもまだ深く9 out of 10
