Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		4.0

The Mourning Forest Blu-ray Movie Review

A mesmerizing and humanistic experience by Naomi Kawase (Sweet Bean)

A reflective exploration on the pain of loss, The Mourning Forest is a compelling drama about two unlikely companions who find themselves battling the wilderness that surrounds them. Executive produced by Hengameh Panahi (Funny Games, I'm Not There), the quiet and delicate film is an essential view for audiences interested in exploring the piercing humanism of Japanese cinema in the vein of Ozu.

The story centers on a compassionate and dedicated nurse named Machiko (Machiko Ono). Working in a nursing home for the elderly, the young and beautiful Machiko is struggling with her own emotional turmoil and grief following the loss of her child. Attempting to keep her life together while helping to care for others who are in need, Machiko puts her best foot forward day to day. She does her best.

As Machiko attempts to provide care for an elderly man at the nursing home who suffers from serious dementia, Shigeki (Shigeki Uda), the events of her ordinary life are turned upside down when Shigeki wanders off into the unknown terrains of the surrounding forest. Following Shigeki into the unknown, Machiko pursues the elderly resident in order to help bring him back home. The two eventually meet and become intertwined in a journey of discover and re-awakening. Both have their own experiences with loss and grief and the quest home brings them closer together.

One of the most exceptional elements of The Mourning Forest is the survival element. The film has a remarkably scenic approach demonstrating exploration and adventure. The characters must traverse the sometimes difficult terrain of the deep forest and the thick greenery which surrounds them. Traversing through the wind and rain in an attempt to return home, the story follows the spirited journey of both Machiko and Shigeki as the duo fight for their lives. The atmosphere of the film greatly enhances the experience.

A journey of compassion and heartache.

The production features an abundance of gorgeous outdoor scenery as the forest can feel like it is a character in the film itself. The beautiful outdoors: the looming skies, the bellowing trees, and the serene wind give the film a majestic aura which adds to the visual wonderment on display. The evocative cinematography by Hideyo Nakano (Shibuya, Aozora no rûretto) provides the film a breathtaking beauty and a quiet wonder which enriches the performances by the actors. This is a gorgeously filmed work of cinematic art that showcases the beauty of nature in each frame.

Machiko Ono and Shigeki Uda are both hugely impressive in their respective roles in The Mourning Forest. The performances are both delicate and textured. The dynamics between the two characters plays a big part in the story. Ultimately, the performances are a key element to the success of the storytelling. Ono has a quiet grace as the headstrong and compassionate nurse and Uda gives a convincing portrayal of a man suffering from dementia.

Written and directed by Naomi Kawase (Still the Water, Sweet Bean), the filmmaking is heartfelt and sublime in every sense of the word. Kawase gives the film a delicate approach which remembers to focus on the characters of the storyline first and foremost. Working alongside editors Tina Baz (Mad Detective, Love for Sale) and Yûji Ohshige (Then Summer Came, Tokyo Rendezvous) to give the film an impressively realized pace, Kawase demonstrates her clear understanding of the language of cinema in each frame. The work clearly shows the influence of great Japanese filmmakers like Kurosawa and Ozu while painting its own canvas in each frame. A wonderful and mesmerizing experience that can't go ignored. The Mourning Forest is a beautiful gem exploring humanity in all its fragility.

The Mourning Forest Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from distributor Eureka Entertainment as part of the prestigious Masters of Cinema line, The Mourning Forest arrives on the format with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The scan on this release is simply breathtaking to behold. This is a stunning presentation.

The photography is sublime and naturalistic from start to finish. Fine film grain can be seen on the image and is well preserved. The encode appears superbly detailed, crisp, and organic throughout the entire experience. This is a gorgeous looking film and the natural outdoors landscapes are breathtaking to take in. An exceptional presentation.

The Mourning Forest Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound track. The lossless audio track can be quite active and vital throughout (especially during some key outdoor sequences with rain and outdoor sounds making good use of the surround channels). The film is often quiet and minimalist but certain scenes roar to life with great vitality (and exceptional clarity throughout).

The surround track has an amazing degree of depth and energy that keeps the entire experience engaging. The music score by Masamichi Shigeno (Snakes and Earrings, The Lady Improper) is presented beautifully. An optional Japanese uncompressed PCM 2.0 track is also provided on the release.

The Mourning Forest Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Stills Gallery (featuring 63 high resolution click-through stills from behind the scenes of the production)

The Mourning Forest Theatrical Trailer (HD, 00:49)

The Mourning Forest Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

An exquisite example of the power of Japanese cinema, The Mourning Forest is a sublime work of art that manages to evoke a strong reaction. The filmmaking is superb from beginning to end and there is little doubt that the experience transcends expectations and becomes even more powerful by the conclusion. Featuring stellar performances by both Machiko Ono and Shigeki Uda, director Naomi Kawase gives the filmmaking a robust energy that makes the experience a mesmerizing one. Without a doubt, a fantastic film and a release well worth owning. Highly recommended.