All Around Us

All Around Us is a 2008 Japanese drama about the joys and sorrows of a married couple through the span of a decade. Directed by Ryosuke Hashiguchi, it features a remarkable performance by acclaimed stars Lily Franky and Tae Kimura, supported by emerging actor Masaaki Akahori.

The film revolves around the lives of Kanao, played by Lily Franky, and Shoko, portrayed by Tae Kimura. Kanao is an introspective individual who works as a freelance shoe designer, possessing a unique and quirky perspective on everyday life. His personality is beautifully contrasted with his wife, Shoko's straight-forward yet warm and passionate nature. She works as a courthouse sketch artist, adept at capturing the expressions and emotions of people involved in the legal proceedings.

The narrative of All Around Us tracks the life of this married couple from 1993, shortly following their impromptu courthouse wedding, till 2005. The film starts with their young married life, unfolds the relationship reel, and gradually delves into exploring their bond, shared dreams, and emotional struggles through various milestones and life-altering events. It showcases their journey through joys, sorrows, and everything in between, supplemented by the backdrop of significant historical events unfolding in Japan.

Furthermore, Kanao, initially being solely focused on his freelancing work, progressively becomes more focused on his legal sketch work under the mentorship of the outspoken courtroom sketch artist, Kinoshita, brought to life by Masaaki Akahori. As the story unfolds, the viewer is offered a comprehensive exploration of courtroom trials, beyond the norm, through the eyes of Kanao, diving deep into human emotions, societal judgment, and the meaning of truth and justice.

On the other hand, Shoko's journey shadows the emotional trials of womanhood wrapped in personal loss, depression, and the desperate urge to fit into societal expectations. From her longing for motherhood to navigating her relationship with Kanao during her emotionally turbulent phase, the execution of her character exhibits a genuine representation. Tae Kimura, for her riveting performance as Shoko, was honored with the Best Actress award at the 32nd Japan Academy Prize in 2009.

As the title suggests, "All Around Us" portrays an array of common yet potent human emotions that exist in the world around us: love, despair, loneliness, and the quest for personal fulfillment, to name a few. The film's script offers a poignant, nuanced reflection on the central couple's life, supplemented by a strong supporting cast who bring to life an array of varying perspectives.

Director Ryosuke Hashiguchi is known for his deft handling of emotional narratives and delivers a masterful insight into the human psyche in All Around Us. The visual language of the film is equally expressive, with courtroom sketches becoming a significant element in enhancing the movie's emotional integrity. Over the span of the movie, these sketches almost serve dual narratives - one that chronicles the lives of criminal defendants and another portraying Kanao's changing perception of the world around him.

Additionally, the film provides an interesting and distinctively non-heroic view of the 1990s and early 2000s Japanese society through the everyday lives of the couple, creating a richly detailed, realistic, yet subtle narrative. The strong performances of the lead actors, the gripping and engaging storyline, and the unique way it intertwines history with personal narratives strike a compelling balance between the personal and societal, the ordinary, and the extraordinary.

All Around Us is more than a testament to the power of human resilience and love. It's an exploration of life's ups and downs in a way which mirrors the reality right back to the audience. With a winning combination of powerful performances and a deeply moving narrative, this film is a recommended watch for any international cinema enthusiast who appreciates the beauty of finely-crafted storytelling.