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After the Storm

After the Storm

2016
Comedy, Drama
1h 58m
Dwelling on his past glory as a prize-winning author, Ryota wastes the money he makes as a private detective on gambling and can barely pay child support. After the death of his father, his aging mother and beautiful ex-wife seem to be moving on with their lives. Renewing contact with his initially distrusting family, Ryota struggles to take back control of his existence and to find a lasting place in the life of his young son until a stormy summer night offers them a chance to truly bond again. (imdb)
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After the Storm

2016
Comedy, Drama
1h 58m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 62.66% from 321 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(321)
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Rated 10 Oct 2016
90
92nd
I haven't seen a film approach gambling in such a way where it's not played as some hammy over the top addiction thing because that's the rare type of gambler. Most addicts are very much like Abe's character where they are desperate to find something they've been missing in their life. Whether it's the love of a parent or just a will to live. To find some sort of joy/hope is the purpose of gambling to me anyway. Maybe we all end up like our fathers
Rated 29 Jan 2017
50
77th
Typical solid Japanese drama. Didn't touch as strong corn as other recent film in the same mood like Our Little Sister (2015) or Sweet Bean (2015), but the acting is still of high quality and fans of Japanese cinema will appreciate this.
Rated 22 Oct 2017
60
26th
A bit disappointing by Koreeda standards, but a solid film nonetheless. I especially enjoyed the grandmother character, who is the glue holding the family together. The sequence during the storm is also quite good, though it takes Koreeda too long to get there. I appreciated the light, gentle touch with which Koreeda handles the material, even as the circumstances themselves are quite serious and painful.
Rated 10 Dec 2018
90
96th
A beautiful portrait of failure. There are so many profound lines of dialogue, and yet the characters never stop feeling human. Kirin Kiki's endlessly zealous accommodations, the son's aloofness hiding a quiet maturity and sadness, the futile desperation of the father...
Rated 01 Mar 2019
4
74th
Not until halfway through, when the film turns from light comedy into a confessional chamber drama, does its poignancy really land. The steady build is important to that feeling of closure. As the wisened grandmother observes, a typhoon is ultimately refreshing. With gentleness and simplicity, Kore-eda recognizes that things don't always turn out; a reconciliation between who one wishes to be and who one actually is.
Rated 30 May 2017
71
71st
Romanesco.
Rated 27 Jan 2017
85
89th
At first glance this seems like it's going to be about Ryota's down at heel lifestyle and gambling problems, but it gradually reveals itself to be a poignant family drama with characters mourning the loss of happier times and unsure of the future. It's a beautifully understated film directed with an easy confidence by Koreeda, who draws wonderfully natural performances from all of the principals.
Rated 09 Oct 2016
5
81st
This one was a little close to home....
Rated 07 Dec 2017
80
67th
Once the three of them are staying together with Ryota's mother (who is a great character) then this really gets going, displaying a humanity and honesty that very few movies can muster. The typhoon sequence in particular is great in its beauty and subtlety. I don't give this higher than an 80 because while it does handle its characters and subject matter effectively, it takes a little too long to get to the brilliance. All in all though it's a great family drama with understated direction.
Rated 10 Jun 2017
65
61st
A storm may bring tragedy, but also a family together (at least for a few hours). Koreeda stages every gesture in the tradition of japanese melodrama -- still cam, light and powerful feelings, a complex mix of guilt, love and concern --, but he also seems too eager to forge situations in order to make his characters change and talk things over -- like the tormented, flawed, gambling-driven writer trying to sleep with his ex-wife out of the blue or the late discover that his dad loved his work.
Rated 11 Apr 2017
80
87th
Koreeda still inside the familial universe, but this time in a more character directed story; Koreeda returns to a more melancholic approach to reality, and, imo, this is where the movie stands out; a beautiful movie about frustration; very organic direction; impressive screenplay; great performance by Hiroshi Abe;
Rated 24 Nov 2016
75
72nd
Kore-eda knows how to draw very natural performances from his cast and is very good at giving you a very real slice of life style look. There's no exception here with this very poignant and deep, film about hope, life, death and family. It wasn't the tear-jerker that some of his previous films have been, but it will still tug at your heart-strings.
Rated 19 Apr 2017
75
60th
Another typical nice character drama by Koreeda but it takes a bit too long with its introduction till it gets to its centerpiece; the protagonist, his son and his ex gathering at his old mom to shelter from said storm.
Rated 09 Mar 2018
60
62nd
Koreeda makes pleasurably nuanced dramas with likeable characters (here, the protagonist's mother is the standout), usually aiming for a poignant conclusion. Such is the case here, but in this instance he veers a little closer to the schmaltzy end of the spectrum.
Rated 17 May 2018
77
73rd
Calmingly sentimental
Rated 02 Jun 2018
70
57th
Certainly worthwhile for Koreeda fans.
Rated 02 Sep 2018
80
62nd
Another calm, understated drama from Koreeda. Kirin Kiki is charming as always and Hiroshi Abe has the uncouth swagger that makes him a very compelling onscreen presence. Apart from a few standout moments, especially the late night conversation between the aforementioned actors, this film does not grab hold of you. It simply waves at you and you wave back, happy that you gave it some of your attention and feeling a little better for it.
Rated 26 Oct 2018
4
72nd
First Koreeda I saw - watch again for structure - perfect short story movie
Rated 14 Feb 2021
70
74th
A very familiar storyline about family that's been told hundreds if not thousands of times in film and literature, but Koreeda brings his delicate and highly disciplined touch to carve out something distinctive. His ability to set the right tone for every moment is perhaps his most impressive skill (gift?) as a filmmaker and that is on full show here. For me, it's the Ryôta and Machida storyline that I like best; a buddy film within a family film.
Rated 29 Sep 2021
65
54th
I didn't realize I signed my life's story off to Koreeda, but he executed it as well as anyone could've. Edit: My initial score of 72 probably leaned too heavily toward critically reviewing it. In terms of how much I liked it, I can't go above mid-60s.
Rated 20 Oct 2023
84
90th
A small-scale story about imperfect characters trying (and failing more often than not) to make their way in life and to live up to their ideals. While it may seem simple and unspectacular, it really connected with me by the end and I would rate it as one of Kore-eda's best films.

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