Bloom, Netter Productions, Waypoint Entertainment,
Matthew McConaughey, Naomi Watts, Ken Watanabe, Katie Aselton, Jordan Gavaris
Arthur (Matthew McConaughey) and Joan Brennan (Naomi Watts) are in a troubled marriage. They used to be very much in love, but over time, Arthur’s salary is a tiny bit related to Joan who is carrying all the weight of the finances, but has a drinking problem due to her depression. But when she is diagnosed with a brain tumor, she makes Arthur promise that he will die in a beautiful place and not in a hospital. Later on we find Arthur on a journey to Japan’s famous “Suicide Forest” with the idea of killing himself. But when another Japanese gentleman shows up lost and desperate, he stops to help him out. But the two become hopelessly lost and unable to find their way out, so the two of them who both went in the forest to die, find themselves battling with all they’re worth to manage to survive somehow.
This is a very beautiful, but really dark film. But it’s not really about depression, desperation, and death. It’s more about life. This is a very though provoking film, and an interesting piece. Ken Watanabe is wonderful as the lost Japanese businessman who is depending on Matthew McConnaughy’s character to survive. The problems and struggles that these two go through is very touching and keeps the story going from adventure to adventure without a break. But, at the same time, you feel that there is a bigger message behind this survival tale. There is, but it’s not slammed in your face, and as the story evolves, and especially in the beautiful ending which may not be what you expect, you walk away with a lot on your mind. McConnaughy is really good in this movie. I think he’s a better actor than he normally gets to play, and his roles have had a lot lacking. This is a very serious film, and he does an excellent job in this role. I didn’t expect much from it when I put it in the DVD player, but by the time it was over, I found a really new appreciation for his work. Basically this film are these two characters and how they interact with each other. The other roles are smaller. But the main character of this story is this little know creepy forest in the shadow of Mr. Fuji. This was a solid story, just a little story, but with a lot of heart. I enjoyed it, and recommend it.
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