The Time of Backlights Review

Movie: The Time of Backlights

Romaji: Gyakko no Koro

Japanese: 逆光の頃

Actors: Mahiro Takasugi, Wakana Aoi, Hiroya Shimizu, Aimi Satsukawa

Director: Keiichi Kobayashi

Writer: Katsuki Tanaka (manga), Keiichi Kobayashi

A very slice of life movie that you would get a feeling they edited out the important events in the story, it goes against pretty much everything normally recognized as fundamental aspects of engaging storytelling. The development of the story is just weird that you would end up guessing as to what happen between each scene. It is by intention though, the movie just wants to show the mundane things but very important to the development of a character, which most mainstream movies ignore. It won't entertain you, no conventional dramatic scenes, no goal driven by conflict, seems there is no plot, instead it will trigger your ability to observe and be captivated by each characters.

Technical-wise, the movie is fine. Subtle acting which works better for this type of genre, literally no music on every scene, you'll only hear background noises. Cinematography would show you the beauty of Kyoto, old houses, castles, beautiful shrines, Japanese festivals.

Imagine you come home from a long and stressful day of work or school and you just want to sit down and watch something that doesn't require much energy, this movie would be the best for you. Watch this if you want to relax or maybe for a change of pace from other mainstream shows you are watching that has more plot and more action oriented.