Man Walking on Snow (2001)
Mashike, a city on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. Nobuo Honma is a 63-year-old sake producer. He has lived with Yasuo since his wife died two years ago. Yasuo is his youngest son to whom he has entrusted his trade. Every day Nobuo goes for a walk which leads him to a fish-breeding center, located in the mountains. He fills his loneliness by attentively observing the development of thousands of little fish poured into the pool. The second anniversary of his wife's death approaches. Nobuo insists on the presence of Ryoichi, his elder son whom he hasn't seen for a long time. Nobuo and his two sons, along with their partners, gather for the commemoration. Unspoken feelings resurface and clash with each other.
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Reviews
How sad is this?
Good start, but then it gets ruined
Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.
Blistering performances.
An interesting movie at times, but some endless scenes of walking through snow to the same place makes one glad to have the fast forward control.Although forced at times the movie held interest during intense and uncomfortable interactions, as well as more romantic ones. It feels like an insight into a culture that often seems opaque. Here we get a glimpse of hidden feelings as well as that opacity that can create the disconnect and dissatisfaction in a society. Here we have the expression of feeling, without filter. Does it result in change for the main characters? Perhaps. At least, the veil is withdrawn and clarity is established. Characters now seem to have chosen their path, rather than blindly moving within it, whether by rejection or conformity.
*** May contain spoilers. *** The film was shot on location in the snowy regions of Hokkaido, Japan. Former assistant director of François Truffaut, Masahiro Kobayashi, made OLD MAN WALKING ON SNOW with a modest budget, but with great skill for what it is. OLD MAN WALKING ON SNOW is about an older man whose wife recently died. The frosty haired man has few activities in his daily life to keep him busy. He watches fish near his house as the highlight of his day. He meets a younger lady who is interesting. And at the second anniversary of his wife's death, he meets his two sons, who bring deep subtle conflicts. THE OLD MAN AND THE SNOW or OLD MAN WALKING ON SNOW or L'HOMME QUI MARCHE SUR LA NEIGE is best for those who like slow quiet dramas.