Kanaria

I saw this movie at Oslo International Film Festival yesterday, and it blew me away.

It describes what happens to the children of a religious terrorist mother after she has participated in an attack –from what I understand based on gas attacks in Japan's underground in '95 –though seen from the children's point of view.

Two siblings are taken from the religious cult Nirvana after the terrorist attacks. They've lived completely secluded from outside society in the cult, but are now brought to child welfare. 12-year old Koichi is separated from his younger sister Asako because his grandfather refuses to adopt him. Furious, and having a hard time letting go of the cult's beliefs after having them practically forced upon him, he sets out to reclaim his sister. He dreams of once again living with her and his mother.

While on the run from child welfare, he meets a girl –Yuki –with an abusive father. She tries to help him, and together they set out to find his sister.

The cinematography was beautiful; the (young) actors were absolutely amazing and the movie itself was thought inspiring and just . . . a great experience. I'm not able to do this movie justice by describing it: if you ever get a chance, go see it! I promise you won't regret it.