Hana
(Hana yori mo naho)

Anyone who has followed Kore-eda’s journey via the theatrical releases of his films will certainly be surprised by Hana, which has not been shown in French cinemas. Here, Kore-eda, such a contemporary filmmaker, swerves off into a samurai film, inspired by the story of the 47 Ronin. Yet, though the storyline is classic (a young samurai is sent by his clan to avenge his father), the intimidating and bloody majesty typical of the chambara seems to be kept at bay, held back by a hero who is crushed by a mission too heavy for him. His adventures veer to an almost farcical comedy, as he seems so caught up by the tableau vivant of a small community that he himself little by little becomes part of. Aisha Rahim