An outstanding work of art that draws you into a world and its characters like nothing else in TV show form that I can remember. It's easily my favourite Koreeda project since Shoplifters, and I strongly suspect the overall experience made me more feel healed and embraced than any other new show I could have watched instead. I saw a lot of familiarities to Hou Hsiao-hsien in his direction here, which I'm not sure means he is more conciously taking inspiration this time, or if my own recent investment in Hou's filmography has made me notice it more.
It is a show that manages to be devoid of sentimentalism, instead refraining from any unbelievable gimmicks or cheap moments of tension in favour of retaining a sincere heart, and exploring its subjects as earnestly as possible. He continues to emphasise believable stakes which may seem uninterestingly small or insignificant on paper, but mean everything in the world of these people who are just trying to find themselves and do what they can to get by. As much as it's easy to label 'mundane nothing', it is only ostensibly so, with layers of deep and thoughtfully constructed emotionality, giving you space to reflect upon seemingly everything should you choose to engage.
You follow a cast of unique, complex and lovable characters that you grow to learn about in the most organic and impactful way. As you watch the last two episodes, what you've taken in throughout starts to bubble to the surface of your consciousness - much like the gradual preparation of a distinct and familiar meal.
Koreeda manages to crush your heart in his hands before picking it up and helping put it back together again. He places you in a world of such cultural specificity and unfamiliarity, but ends up making you believe you've been there your whole life. It all reminded me why I love him. His last two films ultimately didn't as much, so this one delivering on every level is a much needed gift I'll always be thankful for.
