Due to his failing memory, an Icelander widower named Kristófer embarks on a journey to find his first love, a Japanese woman named Miko, who disappeared 50 years ago.
The take
With the internet able to connect people from miles away, the concept of the one that got away has become unromantic– after all, with instant messaging, their distance just means that you’ve been ghosted. But for the longest time, romance stemmed from the fated circumstances that kept or lost love, and this is excellently portrayed in Touch, a surprising romantic drama from writer-director Baltasar Kormákur best known for his action thrillers. Kormákur infuses the drama with a delicate touch, much more focused on the moments of connection between immigrants from different cultures, with the freedom of the late 60s that marks Kristófer’s youth versus the urgency of the world’s restrictions and Kristófer’s memory. Touch remembers the real romance of the one that got away.
What stands out
The simple ways through which Kristófer connects with everyone in the restaurant are just lovely.
Comments
Add a comment
Your name
Your comment
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
More like this in
Heartstone (2017)
Self-discovery and coming-of-age in a remote Icelandic village
7.4
A White, White Day (2020)
An Icelandic slow-burner on grief and jealousy
7.8
2046 (2004)
The inventive sequel to In the Mood for Love
7.7
The Farewell (2019)
Awkwafina shines in this complex culture clash comedy.
9.1
18×2 Beyond Youthful Days (2024)
Two first loves meet again in this true-to-life romantic drama
7.2
Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy (2021)
Three separate stories intertwined with themes of love and fate
8.9
Yi Yi (2000)
Life goes on, beautifully and tragically, in Edward Yang’s magnum opus
9.0
And Breathe Normally (2018)
7.8
Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 2023 “GIFT” at Tokyo Dome (2023)
Yuzuru Hanyu teams up with Mikiko for one unprecedented spectacular skating show
8.0
Hard Days (2023)
A detective has a series of terrible, horrible days in this decent Japanese thriller remake