Fish Story (2009) [Film Review]

Fish Story; or, An Exaggerated Tale
     How can solitude be a fish? This song will save the day.
Yoshihiro Nakamura’s Fish Story, based on the novel by Kotaro Isaka, is yet another example of a Japanese feel-good movie which is totally too cool for school. I nearly forgot how awesome this movie is, but I had a chance to revisit it because of a Third Window release. Let’s explore on a voyage through time, nostalgia, and determination.

Release Info

Directed by: Yoshihiro Nakamura Starring: Atsushi Ito, Mikako Tabe, Seiko Iwaido

Language: Japanese Original Title: フィッシュストーリー Runtime: 112 min

Synopsis
It’s the year 2012. A comet is about to enter the Earth’s atmosphere and inevitably annihilate the entire world. Three strangers meet up in a music store and they listen to a song called “Fish Story”. The store owner explains that the record is an obscure release made by a forgotten punk rock band Gekirin. In a series of flashbacks, we explore the origins of the song and how, throughout decades, it made an impact on certain individuals. According to a prophecy, the song is responsible for creating “a champion of justice” who will save mankind.

A Song of Salvation
In my opinion, Fish Story is a perfect embodiment of the concept of delayed gratification. During the first two acts of the film, you just can’t help but feel confused as a viewer. Multiple plotlines and characters are thrown at you. We travel back in time from 2012 up to 1953 and get to see such quirky characters as a literary translator, a music producer, a singer, a waiter, and many others who were, in one way or another, influenced by the titular “Fish Story”.

When all of the vignettes suddenly start converging together into one coherent whole, you can’t help but marvel at the insanity and ingenuity of the storyline. At the end of the day, it takes so little, yet so much, to provide people with motivation necessary enough to get things done in a good way.

Of course, I can’t forget about the marvellous soundtrack provided by Kazuyoshi Saito. The theme song is an outstanding banger and a core element of the film. Oh, and that clever reference to the first season of Super Sentai, Himitsu Sentai Gorenger (1975), was pure icing on the cake.

With regard to performances, there are so many great actors in Fish Story, but I have particularly enjoyed seeing Atsushi Ito, Mikako Tabe, and Noriko Eguchi. I also adore the hilarious part of a false prophet played by Kenjiro Ishimaru. Interestingly, there are also cameo appearances from Jmovie veterans: Reiko Kusamura and Koichi Ueda.

Recommendations
If you are on the lookout for a joyful flick filled with positive energy, then give Fish Story a chance. The Blu-Ray release comes with a variety of bonus features, including making-of featurette, trailer, deleted scenes, Q&A with director and the cast, Gekirin various live shows, and Gekirin CD launch Q&A at HMV.Overall score: 9/10

«Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us»