Part 1 consists of two seasonal-food themed movies strapped together with two more (Winter/Spring) presented in Part 2. Each movie consists of adventures in food gathering (from the wild and cultivation) and preparation (in a small kitchen equipped with a surprising array of equipment) in a remote community in northeastern Honshu. Dishes are apparently indigenous to the community. Linking food bouts together (and to hold the viewer's interest) are shots of local scenery, community life (such as remote home mail delivery on foot), and a thread bare plot about a returning native. All food is cooked whether it needs to be or not. Salads seem to be unheard of! Often a frying process (especially stir fry) is used which may not be the most healthy approach to eating. Lots of processed sugar (and, presumably, salt) is used. Direction and editing is brisk. However, "Autumn" tends to be too long and repetitious. Acting (including locals apparently playing themselves) is okay. Cinematography is exceptional. Subtitles occasionally wonder off on their own. Worth watching if only to catch the presumed rhythm of rural life. Viewed at JICC/DCEFF event. WILLIAM FLANIGAN.
Review of Little Forest: Summer/Autumn
