Nobuhiko Obayashi, thank you for your life-affirming films.
What it's about
After giving a discount to a struggling college exchange student from China, Tokyo greengrocer Shunzo forms a parental relationship with the students, much to the chagrin of his wife Michi.
The take
Kindness is universally considered as a virtue, but so too is it considered a weakness– Reciprocation isn’t necessarily guaranteed and some people take advantage of the kindness given to them. But there are few instances when humanity does give back to those who have been generous to others, and one such instance is in Beijing Watermelon. It’s one of Nobuhiko Obayashi’s lesser known films, being released just a few months after the Tiananmen Square massacre, and having a more naturalistic, slice-of-life approach compared to Obayashi’s other films. Nevertheless, the film’s fairly simple message plays out in an earnest and genuine way, depicting the ways ordinary kindness can form communities despite cultural differences, loss, and diplomatic tensions between nations.
What stands out
Obayashi is known for his signature surreal style, so it’s surprising to see a much more grounded approach to his story. Yet, it’s understandable how this story caught Obayashi’s attention. Even if the story is fairly mundane, Beijing Watermelon has an earnest belief in humanity that works specifically because it’s ordinary.
Comments
Add a comment
Your name
Your comment
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
More like this in
The Farewell (2019)
Awkwafina shines in this complex culture clash comedy.
9.1
A Brighter Summer Day (1991)
A rich, melancholy tale of 1960s youth in Taiwan
9.0
2046 (2004)
The inventive sequel to In the Mood for Love
7.7
18×2 Beyond Youthful Days (2024)
Two first loves meet again in this true-to-life romantic drama
7.2
Rohan at the Louvre (2023)
A riveting supernatural mystery contemplating Japanese art in relation to the world
8.2
Miss Shampoo (2023)
Mobster drama meets quirky romance in this unique, though uneven, Taiwanese comedy
6.7
Mukhsin (2007)
Yasmin Ahmad ends the Orked trilogy with a charming return to childhood first love
7.5
The Parades (2024)
Michihito Fujii reimagines a peaceful, communal afterlife in this slice-of-life supernatural drama
7.2
Abang Adik (2023)
Two undocumented orphans scrounge up a life in this emotionally moving debut drama
7.4
Comrades, Almost a Love Story (1996)
Almost Hong Kong natives become almost lovers in this heart stirring romance drama