Watch Journey to the Shore

Journey to the Shore is a 2015 Japanese drama film directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. The movie stars Eri Fukatsu as Mizuki, a school teacher who is reunited with her husband Yusuke (Tadanobu Asano) three years after he was presumed dead. Yusuke shows up at their home one day and tells Mizuki that he has returned from a journey to the afterlife. What follows is a surreal and poignant journey across Japan as the couple reconnects and Yusuke helps his wife come to terms with his death.

The movie opens with Mizuki living a quiet, lonely life as a teacher in a rural town. She is still mourning the loss of her husband Yusuke, who disappeared while on a fishing trip. One day, Yusuke suddenly appears at her doorstep, looking much younger than when he died. Mizuki is shocked but thrilled to see him, and they embrace. Yusuke tells her that he has been traveling the country, helping lost souls find their way to the afterlife. He invites Mizuki on a journey to the shore, where they will meet with these lost souls and help them move on.

The rest of the movie follows Mizuki and Yusuke's road trip across Japan. They visit old friends and acquaintances, as well as complete strangers who are struggling to move on from their pasts. Each encounter is unique, with its own set of challenges and emotions. Along the way, Yusuke continues to reveal more about his own journey to the afterlife, including his own struggles and regrets.

One of the major themes of the movie is the idea of letting go. Mizuki is still holding onto her grief and guilt over Yusuke's death, which has prevented her from moving on with her life. Yusuke, on the other hand, has come to terms with his own death and is ready to move on to the next life. Together, they help others find the same peace and acceptance.

Another important theme is the power of human connection. As Yusuke and Mizuki travel further on their journey, they meet people who are lonely, lost, and in need of a human connection. Yusuke's willingness to help them in their time of need gives them hope and comfort. Even when they face their own personal demons, they know they are not alone.

The acting in Journey to the Shore is superb, particularly from Eri Fukatsu and Tadanobu Asano. Fukatsu conveys all of Mizuki's pain and sorrow with an understated performance, never resorting to melodrama. Asano is equally impressive as the enigmatic Yusuke, bringing a quiet strength to the character that makes his journey all the more poignant. Masao Komatsu also delivers a memorable performance as one of the lost souls they encounter on their journey.

Visually, the movie is stunning. Kiyoshi Kurosawa uses wide shots to capture the natural landscapes of Japan, from misty mountains to bustling cities. The melancholy tone of the movie is enhanced by the evocative soundtrack, which includes haunting melodies and ethereal choral arrangements.

Journey to the Shore is a thought-provoking movie that explores life, death, grief, and love in a unique and moving way. It is a quiet, introspective movie that rewards patient viewers with a rich emotional experience. The film's themes of letting go and creating human connections resonate long after the credits roll. It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates cinema that challenges and inspires.