REVIEW: CALL ME CHIHIRO

4/5

Call Me By My Name. 

131 Mins. Starring: Kasumi Arimura, Hana Toyoshima, Tetta Shimada, Van, Ryuya Wakaba, Yui Sakuma, Itsuki Nagasawa, Miwako Ichikawa, Keiichi Suzuki, Toshie Negishi, Mitsuru Hirata, Lily Franky & Jun Fubuki. Director: Rikiya Imaizumi. 

Sex sells, sure. Yet the reasons for streaming 'Call Me Chihiro' have absolutely nothing to f###### do with all that. Pardon my Japanese. Rather the real and raw drama coming out of Netflix this week shares much more soulful strands of DNA with the heart of 'Romance Doll', instead of what goes on between the sheets. Just like Japan, the private but intimate land, does with all its devotion and dedication to the real truth behind what's taken at first face value by most. As a result, this former sex worker turned bento shop employee can be put in the same box as the legendary Kirin Kiki of 'Sweet Bean' fame. Albeit just as free and wilful a soul. 

Directed with delicate decadence by the 'Little Love, Little Nights' of Rikiya Imaizumi ('Our Blue Moment', 'Same Old, Same Old') with an eye for the slice of life. This sleepy seaside town features an eclectic cast of characters and some of the finest actors, young and ogisan (that's what the kids call me), working in Japan today. But it's 'Phases Of The Moon' and 'We Made A Beautiful Bouquet' star Kasumi Arimura who will have you calling her by her name. Much more than giving humanity and nuance to both the work of prostitution and the notion of free love that has nothing to do with idle play and more a well-thought-out choice, this is a complete character fleshed out by actor, subject to muse. So much so, Japanese award shows will line up around the block, like customers new and old, for this revelatory actress of tenderness and grace, buoyed by heart and smarts. 

Translate what she says here, lifted from the pages of a classic manga series ('Chihirosan'), and you'll have the next affirmation that will carry you further than a social media post, or cat poster to pin. This is why all the lonely people like 'Eleanor Rigby' come to her, no matter where they come from. Whether it be a schoolgirl stalking with a smartphone (a heartbreakingly good Hana Toyoshima), saying something about our addiction to anime and the impossible standards of artificial reality beauty set by their character creations. Or the cutest kid (especially when he gets his food) played perfectly by Tetta Shimada. 

Van, such a big-name she only goes by one like Rihanna, is the ideal best friend to keep this vehicle of subplots moving, twisting and turning down the long highway. Whilst standing up for others the repressed anger of Ryuya Wakaba comes from a much darker place than inside, as the light of love lifts him from the horrors of home, for a brief respite. 'You Are Forever Younger Than Them' standout Yui Sakuma also shows the oft-ignored frustrations of single parents, in Japan especially. Showcasing her skill in the short change of scenes she has. Whilst 'Follow The Light' of Itsuki Nagasawa, and you'll find the best friend that everyone needs like the mentoring of Miwako Ichikawa. 

But it's the vets that show they are just as alright as the kids. Keiichi Suzuki plays a quiet but kindly old man living on the streets with grit and grace. And shop workers Mitsuru Hirata and Toshie Negishi reveal hidden delights like the different compartments of a bento box. But whilst 'Shoplifters' great Lily Franky navigates the underworld of those of the night with pure heart and comic relief, understanding just what it takes. It's Jun Fubuki's blind patient who will really make you see more when your patience is rewarded with the simple and sweet delights of this hard worked movie of grafters, hidden behind 9 to 5's. Calling on Chihiro is more than comfort food that soothes the soul. It's nuance that nourishes a movie industry and streaming service sorely needing that. Netflix in Japan is carving its own little slice that will give you portions of love and life that will keep you going well past lunch. Dig in. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Sweet Bean', 'Romance Doll', 'Our Blue Moment'.