Synopsis
It’s love and loss that lead Arthur Brennan, across the world to Japan’s Aokigahara, a mysterious dense forest known as The Sea of Trees lapping the foothills of Japan’s Mount Fuji – a place where people go to contemplate life and death. Arthur enters the depths of the forest and loses himself beyond the guiding ribbons threaded through the trees by many before him.
Having found the perfect place to die, Arthur encounters Takumi Nakamura, a Japanese man who also appears to have lost his way. Unable to leave Takumi behind, Arthur invests all of his remaining energy into saving Takumi and returning him to safety. The two men embark on a journey of reflection and survival, which affirms Arthur’s will to live and reconnects him to his love with his wife.
Thoughts
There was a fair bit of buzz ahead of the screening – not to mention the fact it was a Gus Van Sant film starring Matthew McConaughey and Ken Watanabe! But what a let down – a great idea delivered in a very bland and predicable way. Even the twist you could spot from a mile away. Gutted.
Rating
4/10
