I had the pleasure of seeing this film at a private screening a few weeks ago and it was a truly wonderful experience! And just last night, I went to a play in Los Angeles, co-authored by the writer/director. I am now a fan. I don't twitter, but I just might start... The Harimaya Bridge is a wonderful film. Never more so than when it reaches its thematic and visual stride in the second half of this quietly haunting story. It's one thing to get to know Daniel Holder, a character with a pain-filled past, an old grudge, and a deep-seated prejudice, but its quite another to then thrust him into the middle of small town Japan. This is where the real fireworks begin. Complex and inspired, it's an exploration of the curious and sometimes difficult cultural differences we rarely, if ever, get to see. By all accounts, it evolves into something beautiful and grand while remaining intimate and cathartic. Of particular note, is the actor playing the lead character Daniel, quietly smoldering as a father struggling with his own personal demons. And the actresses who play the two main Japanese roles are fantastic! What's also interesting is having black characters in Asia, which is something you don't usually see. I can't thank my friend (who knew someone who worked on the film's crew) enough for inviting me to the screening. Definitely see this film if you get a chance.
Review of The Harimaya Bridge
