Done in subtleties and impressionistic connections, this drama of life, death, and what tethers us all was fairly brilliant. Unique and touching like much of Murakami’s work, this is a complex and textured portrayal of idiosyncrasies and the complicated nuances of people. It is long and drawn out, but completely riveting and enthralling.
If I had been more cultured and knew more about Checkov’s work, I might have found more connections, but I feel like I was grasping at the ghost of further associations between the play and those in the film. That said, the drama and character innuendos felt significant. And I LOVED the amalgamated languages & communication used.
The acting and layout of the film is exquisite. It is masterfully expressed - deep and resounding soulfulness and presence. Like a dream raspily exhaled in the shadows of life; the separation between the lived and the dreamt.