Family and Ambition on the Rocks

Read Time:3 Minute, 48 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Ashima
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director(s): Kenji Tsukamoto
Language: English and Japanese with English subtitles
Where To Watch: San Francisco premiere at the 2024 CAAMFest (formerly the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival)

RAVING REVIEW: ASHIMA delivers more than just a story about breathtaking climbs; it charts a profound emotional expedition. This documentary doesn't just capture a sport; it encapsulates a journey marked by the highs and lows of a young athlete and her guiding yet complicated relationship with her father. Set partially against South Africa's dramatic vistas, the film offers a novel perspective on achieving greatness. Where do we draw the line between drive and desire?

ASHIMA's core story is high on the rock face and within the family dynamics. Ashima Shiraishi, a teenage climbing sensation, navigates the rugged terrains of an elite sport while tackling a child's already complicated life. Her father, Poppo, with his background in avant-garde dance, brings a unique flair to coaching, blending discipline with artistic expression in an approach that both drives and complicates their relationship. This back-and-forth will challenge many viewers, and while I’m not here to bash his parenting style, I feel that it’s an old-school way of being that will hopefully be phased out of existence soon. The film prompts viewers to ponder the delicate balance between pushing for greatness and preserving a child's spirit.

The documentary's narrative framework deviates from typical sports stories by focusing as much on emotional maturity as on athletic prowess. Kenji Tsukamoto, the director, demonstrates meticulous attention to detail in depicting this intricate father-daughter dynamic. Intense training scenes are combined with those moments of vulnerability, painting a comprehensive portrait of Ashima's quest for personal and professional development.

Tsukamoto's lens also captures the imposing landscapes as a literal and metaphorical backdrop to Ashima's challenges. The cinematography in the film is stellar, bringing the awe-inspiring climbs into sharp relief against the beauty of the natural world. Combined with a poignant score, these elements enhance the narrative, creating a rich expedition of struggle and success.

Furthermore, ASHIMA illuminates the oft-overlooked aspects of athletic pursuits—the emotional and family costs. It reveals the sacrifices made by Ashima's family, offering viewers a glimpse into the supportive yet strenuous environment that shapes her. This broader family context adds depth to the narrative, emphasizing the collective effort behind individual achievement. This real-life aspect gets overlooked far too often; I’ve heard horror stories of sacrifices families make for sports. I can appreciate the idea, but at what cost?

This documentary stands out for its focus on Ashima's visible triumphs and the less conspicuous battles she fights. It showcases how parental influence can empower and overshadow, reflecting the complex interplay between nurturing talent and respecting the individual journey.

Ultimately, ASHIMA rises above the typical sports documentary by presenting a multifaceted look at what it means to grow up under the spotlight of high expectations. It’s a film that celebrates an exceptional young athlete's journey but also serves as a poignant meditation on family dynamics' roles in personal and professional success. This makes ASHIMA a compelling view for sports enthusiasts and anyone interested in the nuanced dynamics of achievement and the human stories behind spectacular feats.

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[photo courtesy of GRAY HAT, XTR]

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