Little Forest Review

Movie: Little Forest: Summer & Autumn

Romaji: Ritoru Foresuto Natsu Hen ・ Aki Hen

Japanese: リトル・フォレスト 夏・秋

Director: Junichi Mori

Actors: Ai Hashimoto,      Takahiro Miura, Mayu Matsuoka

Writer: Daisuke Igarashi (manga), Junichi Mori

Producer: Keiichiro Moriya, Izumi Shima

Cinematographer: Yukihiro Onodera

If I'm not familiar with Japanese cinema or with the actors I would think that this slice of life/cooking show film was an experimental film thesis done in college. I'm not saying it suck in fact I love it. I love the originality. Some people would not consider this a film because of lack of plot until the main character narrates a bit of her story alongside on how she would prepare each dish. This review is for the two movies since both of these are connected and the gist is very much the same.

It's only near the end of the movie or after 10+ dishes we learn that there's a conflict between the main character and her mom and her mom leaves without saying a word. This story is 4 parts (4 seasons) and 2 movies worth so you need to see these two movies to see how their conflict get resolved but that is not what important because end game is not this movie is about. I think that the director wants to show the human factor in this movie, human needs to adapt in order to survive. I think that's the main point here so I wouldn't mind if it has no plot.

It's a nice watch even if you don't consider this a movie, it's so relaxing, and it was like yoga but using your eyes. That fantastic cinematography and soothing music and that camera work make such a scene epic like that bicycle scene which is my favorite.  The huge part of the dialogue is the narration it's a nice technique to make you live the life of the main character, you will experiences what it feels to live alone in a house surrounded by fields, mountains, trees and stream and how the changes in season affects her way of living. The main appeal of this movie is the cooking as she gathers each ingredient every season, I don't know how to cook but you might get some technique if you watch this, I love the music they used in each cooking scene btw. 

I am not impressed by the acting but at least it's natural and convincing. The character of Ai Hashimoto here is different from her usual roles so it's nice to see a different side of her. It's a must watch if you are her fan. It's an Ai Hashimoto movie which most of the scenes she is there and you will realize how pretty that girl is without makeup, the camera really love her face, her screen presence is her best asset. Lastly one of the reasons why I love this movie is the song. I am a huge YUI fan and her new band sing the song in this movie, her vocals really fits the mood of this film, it's fantastic.

Watch this movie if you want something original and especially if you love cooking. It's also a relaxing movie (great music, wonderful cinematography, masterful camera work which is honestly one of the best camera work I've seen in a Japanese Movie).