Aarcflick

One of Japan's most avant-garde auteurs has created another visually stunning but narratively forgettable baroque fantasy. Several filmmakers in Venice are reportedly presenting films that reflect the "state of the world." Whether it's Luca Guadagnino with his take on cancel culture, Yorgos Lanthimos satirizing the radicalization of the far right, or Kathryn Bigelow portraying our collective madness in a nightmarish fashion, many of our most celebrated directors seem to be observing a rapidly changing world and asking themselves, "How did we get here?" Director: Mamoru Hosoda Writer: Mamoru Hosoda Stars: Mana Ashida, Masaki Okada, Masachika Ichimura Hosoda, a former Studio Ghibli animator who went independent and has become one of Japan's most successful auteurs, is no exception. His latest film, 2021's "Belle," was a sci-fi adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast." For his newest work, Hosoda hasn't strayed too far from that baro...