Extraordinary Events Ignite Personal Transformation

Read Time:3 Minute, 29 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman (Saules aveugles, femme endormie)
(adult content) –

Genre: Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 48m
Director(s): Pierre Földes
Writer(s): Pierre Földes, Haruki Murakami
Cast: Amaury de Crayencour, Mathilde Auneveux, Arnaud Maillard
Where To Watch: Now Available on DVD and Major VOD Platforms here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Stepping onto the directorial stage, Composer and now Director Pierre Földes invites us into a captivating odyssey, creating a colorful explosion of daily existence blended with elements of the extraordinary in his animated spectacle, BLIND WILLOW, SLEEPING WOMAN. Tapping into the creative river of renowned Japanese author Haruki Murakami, Földes crafts a mesmerizing narrative that blends the ordinary with the fantastic.

Set in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, our trio finds themselves swallowed in the monotony of daily life, only to be pulled into an otherworldly reality when they encounter a colossal frog and a mysterious feline. These extraordinary circumstances ignite the spark of an incredible journey, pushing the boundaries of reality as we know it.

In BLIND WILLOW, SLEEPING WOMAN, the narrative is a vortex of interconnected stories that evoke whimsy and provoke thought. Arnaud Maillard’s character, Katagiri, allies with a giant frog, thrust into an unlikely mission to safeguard Tokyo from a looming earthquake. Concurrently, Mathilde Auneveux’s character, Kyoko, ruminates over an odd exchange with a hotel manager following her separation from Komura, brought to life by Amaury de Crayencour. Komura himself embarks on a quest to find his absent feline, encountering an enigmatic woman during a brief holiday.

The movie cleverly uses unique animation styles to differentiate between the commonplace and the fantastic. Characters navigating through their bewildering circumstances are portrayed in vivid colors. At the same time, the rest of the world is drawn in muted, softer tones, emphasizing the subtle boundary that separates the tangible from the imagined.

Földes demonstrates a unique approach to directing, perfectly capturing the surreal ambiance of Murakami's universe. He pushes the envelope of narrative style, pairing profound symbolism with conventional storytelling and juxtaposing it with remarkable situations, such as an earthquake-preventing amphibian.

The film echoes the tragic 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan. This calamity forces a profound introspection within our protagonists, Katagiri, Kyoko, and Komura. They are compelled to question their aspirations, embarking on an enlightening journey of self-discovery, coming face-to-face with their true selves.

Although BLIND WILLOW, SLEEPING WOMAN is an animation with an engaging narrative and inventive adaptation of Murakami's storytelling, it is not a kid's movie due to its complex narrative structure and mature content. BLIND WILLOW, SLEEPING WOMAN exhibits a unique aesthetic where background elements and peripheral characters are rendered almost transparent. This directs viewers to focus on the essential aspects, prompting a deeper exploration of the narrative's subtext.

The film beautifully illustrates how extraordinary events can act as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. The magic often confined to dreams can trickle into our waking reality. Földes's decision to adopt only selected segments of Murakami's stories doesn't detract from the film's potency. Instead, it intrigues viewers, inviting them to engage in a more interactive narrative interpretation.

Though not exclusively a comedy, BLIND WILLOW, SLEEPING WOMAN balances its existential themes with moments of humor and whimsy. Földes's handling of the multiple narratives reflects Murakami's enigmatic storytelling style, allowing viewers to unravel each strand as it comes. All in all, BLIND WILLOW, SLEEPING WOMAN serves as a delightful exploration into magical realism, masterfully navigating the labyrinth of life's intricacies.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]