Cinematic Point Of View

Hazy, blue, fall mornings at the beach. Sleepy conversations on those care-free weekends of youth with old friends. This is how it feels to watch director Hiroshi Ishikawa‘s 2013 film Petal Dance.

The films stars Aoi Miyazaki, Shioli Kutsuna, Kazue Fukiishi, and Sakura Andô. It was great to see Sakura Ando, who I loved in both Godzilla Minus One and Monster.

I had to sit with it a few days before writing this. I wanted to write about it right after I finished watching it but I honestly wasn’t sure what to say. It’s a hard film to explain. It’s more of an experience.

The words that comes to mind when trying to describe Petal Dance are “dreamy” and “minimal.” A group of college friends reunite after one of their group attempts suicide.

There is a dreamy blue morning feel to the entire movie. Like walking through a gentle, morning fog after a traumatic event. You feel that sense of everything around you being more vibrant and alive just under the surface. This feeling worked perfectly as every character is in a bit of a haze themselves after the attempted suicide of one of their friends.

The beautiful, playful sounds of Yoko Kanno’s soundtrack add just the right amount of emotional resonance to this dream-like journey.

This movie really caught me off guard. It’s not going to be for everyone and all times. It’s got to catch you in the right mood.

Much of the film is just these characters standing around, lost in thought, listening to the sound of the seashore. Nobody is angry. Nobody has a big breakdown or conflict. I don’t know how best to describe it except everyone appears to be very cautious. Unsure how to feel.

It doesn’t necessarily dwell in a negative or depressing feeling. It’s more a meditative state. Someone how, the film manages to convey a sense of hope right on the other side of that fog.

As a viewer, you’re not given a lot of information to consider, which is perfect.

You get to ride along, just as the main characters is literally just giving a ride to the girls. It gives you time to look out the window and day dream. Listen to the sounds. Look at all the little details without too much thought.

It’s a gentle film that unfolds like a bird drifting in the breeze or a petal floating down stream.

Give it a watch when you’re in the mood. I think you’ll love it. Looking forward to see this director’s other works.