With a long and successful festival run under its belt, After the Storm is finally trickling out to western markets, leaning on universal themes like failed potential and broken families that should translate to any language.
The storm referenced in the title is almost certainly metaphorical as well as literal, as the film focuses on a father trying to reconnect with his estranged ex-wife and son. It looks like many fateful things will happen while the group is forced together during a typhoon, but relationships last longer than a downpour and any progress they make will need to be accompanied by lasting change.
Writer/director Kore-eda Hirokazu has meditated on family before, even using several of the actors seen here in previous films. These projects have enjoyed strong showings at the Cannes Film Festival, with Like Father, Like Son taking home the Jury Prize in 2013 and After the Storm premiering there last year.
Unless Hirokazu changes his style these quiet character studies will never be hits, but his steady stream of work has earned him a solid reputation in the festival and arthouse markets. After the Storm is again drawing praise from critics and audiences, making it one of those small films that’s likely worth tracking down.
After the Storm is directed by Koreeda Hirokazu and stars Hiroshi Abe, Yôko Maki, and Satomi Kobayashi. It will be released in the U.S. on March 17th, 2017. For international release dates, click here.
Do you think After the Storm will live up to its strong reviews? Let us know in the comments!
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