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An enigmatic translator with a dark past is brought in for questioning after an ex-pat friend, who came between her and her photographer boyfriend, ends up missing and presumed dead.
Duration: 107 min
Released: 2019
IMDb Rating: 6.0/10 (1,509 Votes)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Romance
Stars: Alicia Vikander, Kiki Sukezane, Kenichi Masuda, Chiaki Kawamo
Directors: Wash Westmoreland
Writers: Susanna Jones, Wash Westmoreland
Year: 2019
Earthquake Bird (2019) - A Gripping Tale of Mystery, Romance, and Intrigue
Introduction
"Earthquake Bird" is a 2019 film that beautifully intertwines elements of crime, drama, mystery, and romance to offer a compelling cinematic experience. Directed by Wash Westmoreland, this movie is based on the novel of the same name by Susanna Jones, who also wrote the screenplay. Set primarily in Tokyo during the late 1980s, the film creates a captivating atmosphere punctuated by emotional complexity and suspense.
Plot Summary
The story follows Lucy Fly, portrayed by Alicia Vikander, a Swedish expatriate living in Tokyo. Lucy works as a translator and leads a somewhat solitary life until she meets Teiji, a mysterious Japanese photographer played by Naoki Kobayashi. Their relationship blooms into a passionate romance, but Lucy's world is soon complicated when her close friend, Lily Bridges (Riley Keough), disappears under suspicious circumstances.
The narrative unfolds through a non-linear storyline filled with tension and ambiguity. As Lucy attempts to unravel the mystery of Lily's disappearance, the film delves into themes of identity, memory, and betrayal. Interwoven with flashbacks and shifting perspectives, "Earthquake Bird" keeps the audience guessing about the true nature of the relationships between these three individuals.
Main Cast
Director and Writer
Wash Westmoreland, known for his ability to handle complex characters and emotional storytelling, directs "Earthquake Bird" with a subtle and stylish approach. His direction emphasizes the atmospheric tension of Tokyo's urban landscape while highlighting the intricate psychological drama at the film’s core.
The screenplay is penned by Susanna Jones, who adapts her own novel for the screen. Her writing skillfully balances mystery and romance, delivering a layered narrative that keeps viewers engaged until the final scene.
Themes and Style
"Earthquake Bird" touches on themes of alienation, identity, cultural displacement, and the elusive nature of truth. The film’s moody cinematography captures the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, adding shadows and textures that complement the story’s mysterious tone.
The storytelling is deliberately paced, allowing characters to develop fully and the tension to build. The interplay of the characters' unreliable memories and shifting points of view makes for a compelling psychological thriller.
Reception
Critics have praised the film for its strong performances, especially by Alicia Vikander and Riley Keough, as well as its evocative depiction of Tokyo. Though some found the narrative's pacing slow, many appreciated the atmospheric and emotional depth.
Conclusion
In summary, "Earthquake Bird" is a sophisticated blend of crime, drama, mystery, and romance, brought to life by a talented cast and skilled direction. For those interested in suspenseful stories that explore complex human emotions against the backdrop of vibrant cultures, this film is definitely worth watching.
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