BLOOD
(director/writer: Bradley Rust Gray; cinematographer: Eric Line; editors: Susan E. Kim/Bradley Rust Gray; music: Daníel Bjarnason; cast: Carla Juri (Chloe), Takashi Ueno (Toshi), Sachiko Ohshima (Toshi’s grandmother), Gustaf Skarsgård (Peter), Futaba Okazaki (Toshi’s daughter, Futaba), Issei Ogata (Yatsuro); Runtime: 111; MPAA Rating: NR; producers; David Urrutia, Bradley Rust Gray, So-yong Kim Bradley’s wife), Elika Portnoy, Alex Orlovsky, Jonathon Komack Martin: Even Star Films/Mutressa Movies; 2022-USA-in English & Japanese, with English subtitles)
“Though it suffers because of a slight narrative, the sincere emotional reactions of the fragile heroine makes the drama seem poignant.”
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
The emotional art-house drama by writer-director Bradley Rust Gray (“Salt”/”Jack & Diane”), his first film in a decade, tries to figure out what is the proper time before pursuing another affair after a tragic loss.
The young widowed photographer Chloe (Carla Juri) arrives in Japan for a work assignment after the unexpected death of her husband (Gustaf Skarsgård). She reunites with the couple’s musician friend Toshi (Takashi Ueno-non-professional actor) from previous visits, and his adorable Down’s Syndrome daughter (Futaba Okazaki). Not speaking Japanese is a barrier, but the resourceful Chloe is into the cultural things of the country and relates well-enough to the people and their customs. Toshi acts as a guide, making sure she’s comfortable. When Toshi awkwardly reveals his romantic feelings for her, she politely declines.
Though it suffers because of a slight narrative, the sincere emotional reactions of the fragile heroine makes the drama seem poignant.
Issei Ogata is engaging as Juri’s wise-man translator acquaintance Yatsuro, who is dealing with his own troubles-his wife has cancer.
It’s a tender and slow developing film that tries to determine when a relationship goes from platonic to sexual, but is too subdued to fully work even if it has the positive traits of an Ozu family film.
It premiered in this year’s U.S. Dramatic Competition at Sundance.
REVIEWED ON 1/29/2022 GRADE: B-
REVIEWED ON 1/29/2022 GRADE: B-