MOVIE REVIEW . Stereo Future

by Chris   ⋅   December 21, 2006   ⋅   Comment now   ⋅    RSS

If there’s one thing Hiroyuki Nakano has demonstrated over the course of his five films, it is an absolute love for life in all its forms. His keen visual style, vibrant use of color (and high contrast black and white), carefully chosen music, and unguarded enthusiasm infuse his films with an undeniable fun and pep that drives straight to the heart of even the most stalwart scrooge. His second SF entry, Stereo Future maintains the “Funky Cool Peace” vibe of his Samurai Fiction, but also adds a focus on love and ecology, and in doing so has resulted in something truly amazing: a poppy love story/ecological advocacy that’s as much a joy to watch as it is thought provoking.

The name Stereo Future refers to everything from the picture’s parallel narratives to the ever pressing choices along the path of life; between paths posing bright futures, and the paths towards darker ones. Everything is paired in some way in this picture, from the dual productions featured in the separate story arcs, a Nature Documentary concerning pollution and ecology, and an ultra violent Samurai epic, to the two lovers and their respective distractions. Furthermore, every character experiences some sort of metaphysical tug of war, between love and practicality, between passion and security, between integrity and compromise.

The primary character of Stereo Future, and the anchor point for the many of the dualities of the film, is a young woman named Eri (played to perfection by Akiko Monou, Samurai Fiction, Lost in Translation), stricken mute after her lover, Keisuke (Masatoshi Nagase, Party 7, Suicide Circle) traded his dreams of acting stardom for safe, secure future as a nightclub owner. Keisuke has since resolved to tempt fate, and hopefully win back her affections, working as an extra on the set of a samurai film, where he faces near constant belittlement at the hands of cast and crew, and amorous advances (of the not entirely unwelcome kind) by the lead actress Mika (Kumiko Aso, Red Shadow, The Wow-Choten Hotel). On the other end of the spectrum is Eri’s sister, Kaoru (the always cute Tamaki Ogawa, Rampo Noir, Samurai Fiction) a young reporter and helmer of the aforementioned Eco-Doc, who is struggling to find a balance between her desire to educate and pressures from the station that her documentary not offend their sponsors. Then there’s Eri’s own confusion regarding the interests expressed by a young American Ecology professor (Sacha Baron Cohen look-alike, Daniel Ezralow). And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Nakano weaves so many sub-stories and character arcs together you might think confusion was inevitable, but somehow everything flows as nicely as if only a single character were involved. Nakano also utilizes both of his primary themes, love and ecology, as sort of face to face metaphorical mirrors, each exploring and enhancing the various ideas and emotions expressed and addressed in its partner. A healthy, true love is expressed in foliage, and in turn a healthy environment is expressed in self discovery. It’s subtle, and upon a cursory viewing might go entirely unnoticed, but for those willing to engage the material it will prove intellectually stimulating.

As with Samurai Fiction, Nakano shows a skilled hand with a host of young stars. Again everyone involved seems to be fully invested in the world of the film, whether they be acting veterans, rock stars, or mere popular personalities. It’s a wonderful harmony, further bolstering the vibe of the film.

Rounding out the package are Nakano’s crisp visuals, ever bright and beautiful (near every shot could be framed), and a wide range of cameos by SF veterans, cult stars, and popular musicians, including techno troubadour Towa Tei. There are actually a few in jokes that rely on one’s having seen Samurai Fiction, so I would recommend all interested parties view that film before this one.

Alas, I have written far too much. In closing, I cannot recommend Stereo Future highly enough. It’s great, smart, beautiful fun, and my favorite of Nakano’s films. Seek it out. You won’t regret it.

About the Author

Chris Nelson has been a film fanatic since age six. A former film and English major, he is now a Software Engineer and contract Technical Writer living in the Silicon Valley.

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