Linda Linda Linda

Nobuhiro Yamashita’s Linda, Linda, Linda (2005) is an appropriately odd film, one that celebrates the innocence and fearlessness that comes with being a teenager. Structured around four teens in suburban Japan who plan to play at the school’s rock “concert,” the film doesn’t quite a singular tone, partaking in both the ambivalence and latent desire of attraction, as well as the contemplative struggle for one of the four, a Korean, to be an individual in the midst of country expectations from Japan. Through it all, there’s a sublime joy to the characters and their endeavors that makes the film take flight, even when some of its realism fades into fantasy.

However while the Korean/Japan juxtaposition is initially emphasized with the schoolmates, little is actually dealt with. One expects a bit more engagement with the Japanese/Korean dynamics, whether through a study of the ennui that threatens to swallow up the outsiders in Japan or through an examination of the singer's social situation at home. Additionally, while it's almost pleasing to see a film that leaves so much of the boy-girl relationships muted and unresolved, it kinda feels like there needs to be a bit more concrete there.

Essentially, this is a quality film through and through, but to lavish it with rhapsodic love seems a bit much. Because of its lack of socio-historical engagement at times, the film can feel slight, though always enjoyable. For example, while the enthusiastic response from the attendees at the concert's end when they take the stage felt just a little too emphasized and thus unreal, the film is successful enough in its character types that we forgive it and soar along with the girls.

Even with its various shortcomings, it's still eminently viewable.

Linda Linda Linda: 7.5/10