Under The Open Sky (2021) [Film Review]

Under The Open Sky; or, Homecoming
     We'll face our fate. But you still have this chance. You have to be patient out here. Patient with few rewards. But at least, you can live under the open sky. Mikami-san, don't ruin this chance!
When it comes to slice-of-life dramas currently made in Japan, only Miwa Nishikawa matches the greatness of Hirokazu Koreeda. She may not churn out as many movies as her fellow collaborator, but it does not mean that these are lesser works of art. This is my review of her latest film called Under The Open Sky.

Release Info

Directed by: Miwa Nishikawa Starring: Koji Yakusho, Taiga Nakano, Isao Hashizume, Meiko Kaji

Language: Japanese Original Title: すばらしき世界 Runtime: 126 min

Synopsis
Masao Mikami (Koji Yakusho) is an ex-yakuza who just finished serving 13 years in prison. He regains his freedom and wants to lead an honest life, but reality is not so simple for a former convict. Masao struggles to find a job and even socialise with people. What he only knows is the life of crime. Hoping to find his long lost mother, he applies for a TV show and meets a young TV director, Tsunoda (Taiga Nakano).

Coin Locker Baby
In my opinion, Under The Open Sky gives strong Ryu Murakami vibes but without gore and extreme violence. What I mean is that the film presents a powerful slice-of-life drama, exposing yet another topical problem which is not discussed among the Japanese public. While many classic films like Abashiri Prison (1965) or The Yellow Handkerchief (1977) praise reintegration of an individual into a society, Miwa Nishikawa takes us on a visual journey which analyses the validity of that process.

It is disheartening and touching at the same time to watch the main protagonist trying to get a grip on himself. There are so many wonderful scenes in the film, but my definite favourites will be: driving lessons, a personal conversation with Mrs Shimoinaba, and singing at an orphanage.

Koji Yakusho is absolutely brilliant in the leading role as a man who wants to change his life for the better but encounters many unexpected obstacles. His performance is undeniably the driving force of the picture, so it comes as no surprise that Koji won in Best Performance category at the Chicago International Film Festival.

The rest of the cast is also amazing. We get to see such veterans in the supporting roles as Isao Hashizume, Meiko Kaji, Narumi Yasuda, and Midoriko Kimura. Interestingly, Masami Nagasawa herself also briefly appears in two scenes, but her role does not extend beyond that. Taiga Nakano has a wonderful onscreen chemistry with Koji Yakusho.

Recommendations
Had it not been for the painfully predictable ending, I would have called this movie one of the best releases in 2021. The screenplay is wonderful, characters memorable, and cinematography so natural and picturesque. As a viewer, you just can’t help but champion Mikami’s personal fight for a better life.Overall score: 8/10

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