Zenin, Kataomoi (2016)

A collection of writers/directors for a collection of diversely told diverse stories.

Some of the stories were really touching, others (namely the second one) were quite cringe. As all of these tales are being told under an overarching storyline of a radio host reading stories submitted by listeners, each of the stories consist of a different style (which is aided along by the real-world fact that each of these stories had a different director/screenwriter). This diversity of storytelling styles really lends well to the overarching story. And I think all viewers will find stories that they both either liked or disliked featured in this omnibus.

These tales are filled with the pain of not-meant-to-be's, self-sacrifice, and missed opportunities. There's a diversity of characters and a diversity of reasons their love was left unrequited, and even unconfessed in some.

It was overall a good watch. It had a clear tone and mood. The acting was well-done. And I love omnibus/anthology stories, especially when there is an overarching storyline connecting everything (as opposed to only linked by theme). The music was mostly ambient/classical style, but lent well to the tones of the scenes when noticed. Nothing particularly blew me away though, and I doubt that the majority of the film will prove to be a lasting sort of memorable.

*Note: at the time of this review, the order of the stories listed in the description is different than the order presented in the movie itself.

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