There are many movies by the much-celebrated Japanese auteur director Hirokazu Koreeda on A Good Movie to Watch. Why? Because, like all the movies we showcase here, his work is often little-known, but unbelievably good. After the Storm is no different. Much like his other works, notably Like Father, Like Son, Shoplifters, and Nobody Knows, it deals with the topic of family dynamics, regret, and disappointment. But his movies are never dramatic downers but delicate dioramas, understated in tone. Once a successful writer, Ryota (Hiroshi Abe) is now a private detective who spends the little money he makes on gambling instead of paying child support. His ex-wife and son are increasingly alienated by his behavior until one day, during a storm, they all find themselves trapped in Ryota’s childhood home. Subtly touching on notions of inter-generational bond and tension – Koreeda’s works are mesmerizing and stick with you long after you’ve finished watching.
"If these early passages feel uncommonly unmoored for Kore-eda, it's because he's at his best in moments of togetherness."
— Michael Koresky
"Proof that the Japanese maestro deserves to be the metronome of all movie lovers' hearts."
— Gabriela Helfet
Ryota is an unpopular writer although he won a literary award 15 years ago. Now, Ryota works as a private detective. He is divorced from his ex-wife Kyoko and he has an 11-year-old son Shingo. His mother Yoshiko lives alone at her apartment. One day, Ryota, his ex-wife Kyoko, and son Shingo gather at Yoshiko's apartment. A typhoon passes and the family must stay there all night long.
A drama that touches your heart and fell compassionate for the characters. Especially the grandma with all her positive attitude. The story revolves around when the lead actor is struggling with his life. What to do next. What is right for him.
Loved it, it was heart-wrenching. I particularly loved the song in the ending, Shin-kokyu.
yeah i too loved the song in the ending. a real good movie indeed