Still Walking

Still Walking is a poignant and contemplative drama directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, which tells the story of a family's complex relationships and the weight of their memories. The film is set in Japan, where a family of four has gathered to pay respects to the father, who died several years ago. The commemorative ritual is taking place in a small town where the father used to live and work as a doctor. The family consists of Kyohei, the eldest son, his wife, Tomoko, and their teenage daughter, Shoko. They arrive at their family home, where they are greeted by Koji, the youngest son, who is currently in a relationship with his mother. Kyohei and Koji have a strained relationship, which is evident in their interactions throughout the film. The family's reunion quickly turns into a trip down memory lane as they reminisce about their father and his stories. They visit the town's seaside, where Kyohei and his siblings used to play, and the hospital where their father worked. The memories they share are a mix of joy, laughter, and sadness, highlighting the complexities of their relationships and the impact their father's passing had on them. Kyohei, now in his mid-40s, is struggling to come to terms with his own failures and disappointments. He is a surgeon, but he feels unfulfilled in his career and is struggling to relate to his teenage daughter, who is increasingly distant from him. Kyohei's wife, Tomoko, is understanding and supportive, but she is also grappling with her own sense of loss and identity. Koji, the youngest son, is a struggling artist, working multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet. He is in a relationship with his mother, a woman named Tsumura, which adds complexity to the family dynamics. Koji's presence in the household creates tension, and his relationship with his brother Kyohei is particularly strained. Throughout the film, the family's relationships are portrayed as fragile and imperfect. They argue and disagree, but they also show moments of tenderness and love. As they navigate their memories and emotions, they slowly begin to confront the harsh realities of their lives and the impermanence of their relationships. The character of Yuhko, a friend of the family, adds another layer of depth to the story. Yuhko is a free spirit who always seems to be on the move, traveling and exploring new places. She is a counterpoint to the family's more settled and traditional way of life. Her presence also serves as a reminder of the father's stories, which he often used to tell of his adventures and travels. As the family's visit comes to an end, they gather on a hill overlooking the sea, where they pay their respects to the father. The ritual is a poignant moment in the film, as they come together to say goodbye to a man who meant so much to them. Kyohei's emotional address to the absent father, where they reminisce and talk about the complexities of his life and legacy, is the most emotional scene in the film. His speech touches the hearts of family members as well as the audience, it brings about the depth and complexities of the father Kyohei, in addition to his complexities. The film's ending is bittersweet, as the family is torn between the past and the present. They know that their lives will continue to unfold in different ways, but they also understand that their memories and experiences will always be a part of them. Still Walking is a poignant and contemplative exploration of the human experience, highlighting the complexities of family relationships and the weight of memory.