LIFE IS FRUITY / LIFE'S FRUITS [Lit.] (JINSEI FURUUTSU). Viewed at CineMatsuri 2018. Subtitles = four (4) stars; narration = three (3) stars; cinematography/lighting/sound = three (3) stars. Japan is known for it's senior citizens who seem to live longer than in any other country. Director Kenshi Fushihara documents the daily life of two (great grand parents who are in or close to their ninth decade of life) which is focused on food gardening and meal preparations. They eat what they grow, and they have been growing a huge variety of things on a very small plot of land (their backyard) after dropping out of the main stream of society some 50 years ago. Not unexpectedly, they also retain/practice quaint customs. Aside from, perhaps, satisfying some initial curiosity about long-lived Japanese, this docu doesn't have much to offer. It's basically a stretched-out short subject! Fushihara inserts the retelling of a wartime experience to break up the monotony. The ending goes on and on and on after the husband apparently dies during production. All garden signs (of which there are quite a few) seem to be translated. Many garden products are digitally labeled. Voice-over narration is pleasant and fits in well; it is neither over nor under bearing. Cinematography (semi-wide screen, DCP, color) and lighting are okay. Sound is fine (there are scenes without sound). Not recommended for viewing beyond the first 10 minutes or so. WILLIAM FLANIGAN, PhD.
Review of Life Is Fruity
