Cottontail is a movie written and directed by Patrick Dickinson starring Lily Franky. With Ryo Nishikido, Tae Kimura, Rin Takanashi and Ciarán Hinds.
A poignant narrative that’s not reliant on easy tears, “Cottontail” is an intricate story about individuals, often lost within themselves, enduring the passage of time, and a father-son bond that was severed many years ago. The narrative unspools slowly, leisurely, with a rhythm that is paradoxically unhurried, yet revealing of the rich tapestry of life, unfolding layer by layer in a series of recollections.
Plot
Kenzaburo, a man grieving the loss of his wife, Akiko, embarks on a journey to England to scatter her ashes in a lake that held special meaning for her. Along the way, the family is compelled to reconnect while simultaneously grappling with the dissonances of their generational divides.
“Cottontail”: A Film in All Its Human Glory
“Cottontail” is a tale about life, death, and the inexorable passage of time. It is a movie that is up close and personal with its characters, individuals who are uncomfortable discussing their emotions yet find themselves confronting the most profound and daunting of all sentiments – death.
Contrary to classical melodramas, the film does not resort to over-the-top drama or emphasis. Instead, it adopts a more natural and tranquil pace, allowing the actors to truly shine. The narrative simplicity and balance create a thoughtful, reflective environment.
“Cottontail” may not boast grand sequences, but it successfully narrates an impactful story in an effortless, relatable manner. It brings to life many vignettes, big and small, of a couple’s lifetime and a father-son duo who diverged paths at some point.
Two Major Pluses: The Actors and Their Approach
Without revealing spoilers, it’s more a celebration of life than a somber tale, more about the beauty of existence than the sorrow of demise. The credit goes to the actors.
Veteran actor Lily Franky leads the way in the central role, masterfully portraying a character on a journey of redemption, acceptance, and triumph. He delivers a compelling performance without overpowering or overacting, offering a natural, tender, and relatable portrayal.
Ryo Nishikido plays Toshi, a character that greatly differs from his recent roles. Demonstrating versatility, he expertly contours a character essential to the story, adding depth to the narrative.
Finally, we have Akiko, played by Tae Kimura. Her character, remembered through flashbacks, forms the film’s fulcrum. Despite her limited screen time, she embodies her role with tragic beauty.
Our Verdict
More contemplative than dramatic, “Cottontail” brilliantly demonstrates how to infuse a film about death with an overwhelming sense of hope.
