This week, BAM is partnering with the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam to present to American audiences the winners of IFFR’S Tiger competition (given to first- or second-time filmmakers). The screenings for the public are going on this week (see schedule in link above), and this is a great opportunity to get a look at films that have little to no chance of getting distributed in the States.
Here is my review of Autumn Adagio, a first feature from Japanese director Tsuki Inoue. Hard to believe this is a first feature. A masterpiece of tone and mood and also character. This is a character study of a Japanese nun named Sister Maria who, as menopause approaches, begins to experience an awkward and strange emotional awakening. Trying to talk about the “plot” is difficult here, because the movie’s power lies elsewhere – in its images, music, and sudden moments of glorious catharsis. A very sad film, and deeply personal. Great work.
