Brad and I just renewed our Netflix account, so I'm bound to be watching a lot of DVDs this winter. There are two types of films I rent: movies for us (in other words, something he can bear to watch), and movies for me. Japón fits into the latter category.
This film was shot in Mexico and follows a nameless artist who travels from the city to a remote village with the intention of ending his life. The villagers decide to lodge him with Ascen, an elderly widow who lives in a shack on the outskirts of town. The artist becomes involved in a relationship with the aged woman, which changes everything.
The visuals of the Mexican landscape and portrayals of villagers going about their lives are the strength of this film. Bach, Shostakovich and Arvo Part provide a compelling soundtrack. This is director Carlos Reygadas' first work, and he is a talent to watch in the future. I can only imagine what he might do with a stronger plot.
Warning: film contains a "love scene" which was painfully uncomfortable to witness.
JAPON - Alejandro Ferretis, Magdalena Flores, Yolanda Villa. Directed by Carlos Reygadas. In Spanish with English subtitles. Vitagraph Films - 2002.
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