[2022-12-30]–Small, Slow but Steady 2
2022/12/30
Program Note
The latest film by Miyake Sho, one of the most anticipated Japanese filmmakers, is a creative, never-before-seen movie about boxing based on the autobiographical story of Ogasawara Keiko, the first hearing-impaired professional boxer in Japan. Depicting a woman who focuses solely on boxing and her relationship with a small gym downtown, this film is full of a variety of cinematic devices, such as a carefully-constructed sound design and sparring sessions that resemble a choreographed dance. The director deems boxing a communication tool for the protagonist. A boxing match, which inflicts wounds and bruises on the protagonist’s face, becomes a conversation through pain, anger, and punches. This is a masterpiece made with originality and rhythm that can only be achieved by Miyake Sho who has developed a unique style under the influence of hip-hop. (KITAKOJI Takashi)