Still the Water

Directed by Naomi Kawase
Film Movement
2014
121 Minutes
France, Japan, Spain
Japanese
Drama, Romance, Coming of Age, Asian
Not Rated
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On the subtropical Japanese island of Amami, sixteen-year-old Kaito (Nijiro Murakami) discovers a young woman’s body floating in the sea. His girlfriend Kyoko (Jun Yoshinaga) attempts to help him make sense of this mystery while also coming to terms with her shaman mother’s terminal illness. Together, they broach adulthood by experiencing the interwoven cycles of life, death and love.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Naomi Kawase
  • Starring: Nijirô Murakami
  • Starring: Junko Abe
  • Starring: Miyuki Matsuda
  • Starring: Tetta Sugimoto

Where to Watch

Streaming Apple TV Apple TV Canada Fandango At Home Amazon

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "Still the Water has an idealism and a tranquility. Kawase's distinctive serenity and generosity of spirit remain valuable qualities in the cinema."
    Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
  • "Kawase delivers a striking meditation on what are clearly deeply personal themes...."
    Fionnuala Halligan, Screen Daily
  • "An enthralling coming of age story."
    Nikola Grozdanovic, IndieWire
  • "A very beautiful and moving film."
    Paul Byrnes, Sydney Morning Herald
  • "There’s a musical quality which harmonises the script’s rockier edges, and the use of diegetic song is powerful and engaging."
    Mark Kermode, The Observer
  • "Taking place on the gorgeous island of Amami-Oshima, Still the Water delves into themes that have run throughout all of her films: the cycle of nature, life, death, love, humanity’s relationship with nature. Kawase tackles these large-scale motifs with a calm, zen-like approach, making Still the Water a pleasant viewing experience."
    C.J. Prince, Way Too Indie
Winner
Jury Prize for Best Director
RiverRun Int'l. Film Festival
Winner
Jury Prize Best Cinematography
RiverRun Int'l. Film Festival
Nominated
Palme d'Or
Cannes Film Festival
Official Selection
Toronto Int'l. Film Festival
Official Selection
Karlovy Vary Int'l. Film Festival
Official Selection
Busan Int'l. Film Festival
Official Selection
Thessaloniki Int'l. Film Festival
Official Selection
Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival