Coquille
Coquille is a Japanese film about an extramarital relationship. Its two main characters, Tatsuya and Naoko, are nothing if not reserved. Their relationship, which starts with a conversation during a class reunion, is slow to develop because of Tatsuya's obligations to his wife and family. It's the unmarried Naoko who gently encourages him to come to her bar so they can spend time together. She doesn't want to seduce him or anything but merely reminisce. What develops is more of a friendship than anything else. They find that they can be honest with each other. For Tatsuya especially this is a breath of fresh air. His (arranged) marriage has become a chore which he silently endures. For Naoko the relationship is fulfilling for much more complicated reasons.
This movie gave me trouble early on. Tatsuya and Naoko's reserved nature, which I mentioned before, tested my patience. Once it became clear there was going to BE a relationship, all of their polite dancing around the issue became frustrating, I mean it just wasn't very interesting. I had a hard time being sympathetic to their moral dilemma or whatever it was holding them back. On top of that you have the usual contrived obstacles which further delay things getting to the point (unexpected guests showing up just as they're about to say something important, freak accidents, etc). It didn't lose me altogether but I felt the movie could've used its time more effectively, or had a more interesting set up.
When they do eventually open up to each their relationship is very dull to watch. No fighting, no laughing, no unrestrained emotions of any kind. Just quiet scenes where a lot is said without saying a lot. This works if the story spends enough time developing the characters and relationship, which this film does, but you also need to like and be interested in those characters and I just wasn't.
I dunno, I'm probably making it sound worse than it was. I didn't hate it or anything, but it's definitely not firing on all cylinders (despite a few nice scenes).
Summer Snow
The characters in Summer Snow are the exact opposite of those in Coquille. They say exactly what's on their mind even if there's nothing particularly important to say. Or maybe it just sounds that way because of the rudimentary translation. Either way it's not a big problem as you can read between the lines. What you'll discover is a bitter-sweet drama with a TON of heart.
The film is about a hard up family of three who is forced to take on the burden of a grandfather with Alzheimer's. The grandfather is a big man and full of beans (for an old guy). He tends to wander off and seems to think everyone around him is either a fellow soldier or enemy combatant. It makes him a real handful for the mother, father and teenage son whose time was already stretched thin before he arrived. The situation tests the strength of the marriage, it tests everyone's patience, and it tests their bank account. Though it seems like an impossible situation they somehow find a harmony. It's not perfect, but life never is.
What made this movie work for me was the interesting premise, the humble, genuine nature of the family, the mix of light-hearted moments and touching drama, and the good performances. Especially the mother character played by Josephine Siao. Great example of a strong woman character. She works hard, she speaks her mind and she has a strong moral compass. One of my favourite protagonists of the bracket so far!
It's with considerable enthusiasm I send Summer Snow on to the next round. Good luck!