L'Oiseau-tempête

Another title in the never-ending churn of book to film adaptations from the Netflix studios, this is a fine performance from Alicia Vikander who is captivating throughout as an emotionally vulnerable Swede living in Japan, with a decent supporting cast.

The film promotes the Japanese setting well including a good showcase of culture, attitudes and landscape but the film has pacing issues which aren't helped by the random mixture of flashback and psychosis nor the unsatisfying ending.

A decent watch, but fails to deliver any real impact.

Earthquake Bird is a very different film, it's not exactly what I was expecting having seen a trailer, but I enjoyed it. You will question events and reality as you watch Lucy plunged into a series of bizarre events, as you watch you'll ask if events were real, and if those around her did indeed exist. Alicia Vikander is absolutely terrific in the lead, so convincing. Naoki Kobayashi and Riley Keough also impress in supporting roles. The first forty minutes or so were a bit of a challenge, it took a long time to open up, but when it does it becomes a very absorbing watch. The pace won't suit everyone, some may find it a little slow, but I enjoy this type of psychological thriller.

A thumbs up from me, just stick with it, it's worth it.

Set in Tokyo, a surprisingly Japanese speaking Alicia Vikander, Lucy, is interrogated by police over the disappearance, and suspected murder, of fellow expat Lily. Tension grows throughout the film as Lucy grows increasingly jealous and paranoid of Lily, who slowly gets close to her mysterious photographer boyfriend Teiji.

Whilst the pace of the film is slow, Alicia Vikander is phenomenal as Lily, holding you at the edge of your seat as her mental state slowly crumbles. Time is taken to dwell on Lucy's expressions, her feelings, her psyche. Her eyes slowly welling up in one scene is magical.

The setting is a character in its own right, framed magnificently in a number of scenes- the grandeur of the mountains, the composition of the secret woodland temple, the liveliness of the festival... compared to the greys of Teiji's studio and Lucy's apartment near the end.

There is a quietness to the movie which I actually really like and unfortunately felt that the ending/resolve, which was rather abrupt did not feel right with the rest of the movie and was too convenient and expected.

Nonetheless, I found there was a lot to love about the movie that despite its pace, kept my attention throughout; with an emotional and reflective performance from Vikander, and was a much needed "quieter" film amongst all the noise of the world.

Unusual and captivating movie, very original. I slowly immersed myself in the atmosphere and really enjoyed it.

Do not be fooled by the rating. Not slow or boring as others have mentioned unless your favourite movie is The Avengers. This is an elegant film.