Still Walking

Reminiscent of the success of Departures, yet another highly-regarded Japanese film demands a place in our programme. Tensions arise within a Yokohama family as they gather for the annual remembrance of their eldest son, who died 15 years earlier, attempting to save a drowning child. For some of them the festive gathering is an endurance test, but good cheer is the order of the day, and Koreeda’s treatment of their modest joys and gentle resentments is actually full of humour, with energetic mother Toshio ruling the roost from the bustling kitchen whilst her retired doctor husband flees to the sanctuary of his examining-room to escape his tussling grandchildren. Koreeda handles the family dynamics skilfully, generating much warmth as counterpoint to the discordant notes, and creating a bittersweet gem.