Still the Water
dir. Naomi Kawase · 2014
Life is a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, shaped by personal loss and the search for connection.
Feature
Coming of Age
Mood
Melancholic / Contemplative
Look
lush natural landscapes interspersed with intimate, close-up moments
Structure
episodic vignettes that explore characters' internal landscapes
Plot
On the Japanese island of Amami, despite lacking parental guidance, Kaito and his girlfriend Kyoko try to find their place in the world. While Kaito suffers from the absence of his father, who moved to Tokyo after his birth, Kyoko must come to grips with her mother’s terminal illness.
Why watch
"Still the Water" immerses viewers in the tender yet tumultuous world of youth set against the backdrop of the serene Amami Island, exploring the complex interplay of grief, love, and identity. With its stunning visual poetry and introspective narrative, the film invites audiences to reflect on their own connections and losses.
Cultural context
Japanese rural lifethe impact of modernity on traditional valuesfamilial dutyexistential reflections on youth