Watch Requiem

Requiem is a beautiful and poignant film that explores themes of memory, identity, and generational trauma. Set in the aftermath of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, the film follows the story of a young woman named Midori (played by Tamlyn Tomita) as she struggles to come to terms with her past and find her place in the world.

The film opens with a series of haunting flashbacks to Midori's childhood, when she and her family were forced to leave their home and live in a Japanese internment camp. These scenes are beautifully shot and capture the sense of loss, confusion, and displacement that Midori and her family feel.

As the film progresses, we see Midori trying to navigate life in the present day as a young woman in Los Angeles. She works in a grocery store and dreams of becoming a singer, but struggles with feelings of disconnection and isolation. She is haunted by memories of the past and the sense of shame and guilt that she feels for having survived the internment while others did not.

One day, Midori meets a young man named Peter (played by Chris Tashima), who is struggling with similar feelings of identity and loss. Peter is a Japanese-American filmmaker who is drawn to Midori's story and wishes to make a film about her experiences. As they work together on the film, Midori begins to open up about her past and her feelings, and starts to come to a greater understanding of herself and her place in the world.

Throughout the film, we also see the character of Midori's mother (played by Brenda Song) struggling with her own demons. She is haunted by traumatic memories of the internment and feels a sense of guilt for how her family was treated. As the film progresses, we see her character grappling with the past and trying to find a way to move forward.

Requiem is a deeply moving and powerful film that tackles complex themes with grace and sensitivity. The performances from the three lead actors are superb, and the direction and cinematography are top-notch. The film is able to capture the sense of loss and dislocation that many Asian-Americans feel, and offers a nuanced and compassionate portrayal of the internment experience.

Overall, Requiem is an important and affecting film that explores the legacy of Japanese internment in America and provides a touching meditation on memory, identity, and the search for meaning. Whether you are a fan of independent cinema or simply looking for a moving and thought-provoking film, Requiem is one that should not be missed.