A Scene at the Sea

Japanese auteur Takeshi Kitano's A Scene at the Sea (1991) is one of his departures from audience expectation, since audiences had long grown accustomed to seeing Kitano direct and star in violent Yakuza movies. Instead, with A Scene at the Sea, Kitano proved deftly able to fashion a minimalist dramatic film centered entirely around subdued emotion and almost passive yearning.

A deaf-mute garbage collector, Shigeru (Kuroudo Maki), harbors little interest with his surroundings until he tries to repair a broken surfboard. Once the surfboard again breaks, though, Shigeru and his girlfriend, the also deaf-mute Takako (Hiroko Oshima), work to secure a new surfboard for him. At this point, the film is largely composed of shots at the sea as Shigeru tries to master surfing while Takako watches. Yet the emotional core of the film is their loyal relationship, and, as such, the film never drags or reaches for a cloying note, but instead remains thoroughly riveting.

Theirs is a sexless relationship. Instead of physical intimacy, there is emotional devotion. As a result, when Takako sees another girl sit beside Shigeru on more than one occasion, the betrayal leaves a scar deeper than any physical jealousy. More often than not, however, Takako sits in subdued interest and watches Shigeru surf, folding his discarded clothes with loving care. Patiently, then, the film builds to its crescendo, and the weight of the logical twist allows a Japanese/Hong Kong montage to be earned rather than forced. The film never manipulates, but instead reveals, and the ending is in concert with Takako's inner character, in that it's revealed as a far more active participant than we ever suspected.

The film expertly leads us into a contemplative spirit as Shigeru works to mature within his chosen pastime, and demonstrates a value for fidelity and devotion that is more profound than any words could manage. Though it initially seems to lack a narrative, the structure to A Scene at the Sea is classical in nature, and every moment is beautifully underscored by a masterful soundtrack.

A Scene at the Sea: 9.5/10