- Starring
- Kanto Shimokura, Debo Akibe
- Writer
- Takeshi Fukunaga
- Director
- Takeshi Fukunaga
- Rating
- n/a
- Running Time
- 80 minutes
- Release Date
- n/a
Overall Score
Rating Summary
Ainu Mosir is the story of a 14 year old kid named Kanto (Shimokura) who suddenly suffers an identity crisis after the passing of his father. He is then forced to be apart of rituals for cultures he can’t even speak the languages for. Debo (Akibe), a family friend takes the boy and shows him the customs of his traditions. He gives the boy a job of taking care and feeding a cub. Yet, the boy has no idea what they have planned for the bear in this controversial ceremony.
Ainu Mosir is one of the most infuriating watches in recent memory. This wasn’t because the film is bad per say, the manipulation of a boys spirit and growth here is disgusting. It is not a film that is necessarily forthcoming about its disturbing elements. There’s nothing flashy about it at all. It may lack any shock factor, real violence or gore but its undercurrent of dread is so well realized that it will surely make some sick while watching. Many will find themselves connecting to this sensitive fourteen year boy’s head, wanting him to be okay. Meanwhile, the film serves as an effective way to show how some customs and traditions can just be downright cruel. They can be defended, claiming “it’s always been like this”, but that doesn’t make them okay.
On the other hand, this film is gorgeous. The color palette here is beautiful. They use a limited amount of hues that makes the film come to life. There are a lot of scenes that involve snow and the way the show juxtaposes with the red jacket Kanto wears throughout is ust striking. The little village this film takes place in is striking as well and looks so inviting, which makes this controversial ceremony even more frustrating. Everything in this film is presented as so pleasant. The relationship this boy makes with this bear cub is sweet. His ambitions to be in a rock band is so genuinely delightful. Yet, the fact that Kanto is clearly being manipulated and it just makes everything feel so sour.
The only issue with Ainu Mosir has to be its running time, clocking in at only 80 minutes. This fact might be due to budgetary constraints but with a mere 80 minutes, it goes by fast. This leaves hardly any room for the film to breathe. This also makes the development between characters feel rushed while also affecting the overall emotional impact. The film could have been a real emotional gut punch if viewers were given more quiet and intimate moments instead of purely moving the plot along. It does have a few nice, quiet moments but again- because of the time we don’t get to spend too long in these moments. We didn’t really get to know Kanto as much as we could have. One can’t help but feel bad for him and get angry about the manipulation he was put through. The film could have been absolutely devastating if we truly got to know him in an even more personal way.
Regardless of its length, Ainu Mosir is worth seeking out and watching when you can. It’s a beautiful film with stunning cinematography and a story addressing some of the darker elements of traditions and customs throughout culture. It’s an interesting watch but just be prepared to get upset by it.
still courtesy of Tribeca
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