2021, Kogonada (Columbus) -- download
The movie is about a family in The Future, a future where there are self-driving cars, clones, video glasses and ubiquitous domestic androids call Techno-Sapiens. Yang "belongs" to Jake and Kyra, having been purchased by them to help take care of their adopted Chinese daughter Mika. Yang displays as Chinese and came with lots of cultural knowledge within, acting as a big brother and constant companion to little Mika, providing a stream of interesting Chinese factoids. But then Yang breaks down, and while friends and neighbours are just suggesting he be turned in for a newer model, Jake knows how much Mika relies on Yang. He is, after all, a member of their family. His search for a way to repair Yang uncovers a deeper history to his "second-hand robot" and how much the techno's are capable of.
This is such a beautiful movie, one of those where you can see how every scene, every mood, every colour and sound and actor is entirely intentional. Kent has always commented that intention is a standard aspect of film-making, that everything is done intentionally, but I don't necessarily agree. I see so many movies just add in filler, whether as just structural connectors, or from purple suit pressure, but I see them as less intention and more just a by-product of the business of film making. Here, everything is a part of the creator's vision. The future is optimistic, but still human. Technology has advanced incredibly, but still tainted by human prejudices and assumptions. People are capable of so much, have so much privilege, but often don't see how much they are missing what is right in front of them. Sometimes the greatest beauty is just being present, just taking the time to actually see how light plays on the wall, and just savour, and be grateful.
Kent's post.
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