To start the summer gently, we give you five good reasons to run to theaters to see After Yang. Quilted sci-fi and a moving Colin Farrell: you know what to do this weekend.#1. For its delicate photography After a fantastic, energetic and colorful opening sequence, in which families compete in a great virtual dance competition, the film turns into a delicate futuristic fresco. The protagonists live in an unidentified English-speaking metropolis but the atmosphere there is Japanese. In this minimalist and soothing universe, the interiors are refined, the words whispered and Jake finds refuge in the cozy atmosphere of his tea room. Through his architectural staging, Kogonada plays with the play of light and shadow and of the different perspectives of this modern habitat where the essence of this almost closed space is concentrated, navigating between present and memories.#2. For its future which is not anxiety-provoking With the exception of this minimalist interior, this feng shui tea room and self-driving vehicles, we see very little of the future in which the family evolves. This lack of technological consideration could pass for laziness or a lack of imagination, but it actually offers a refined setting conducive to the only philosophical questions of the film.Here, androids are not a threat, they are part of the family but may also feel lonely or be in love. In After Yang, the future is sweet, nature is lush, and humans and androids seem to have a bond of mutual respect with it.#3. For his so sweet Colin FarrellWe tend to forget it by only taking into consideration the a little nag blockbusters, but Colin Farrell is a regular in confidential films and independent cinema. We think of his passage with Malick of course, but especially of these two films with Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster and Killing of the Sacred Deer). Far from the explosions, Farrell reveals himself here as a very gentle character. It is this Colin, whom we adore so much, who is at the center of the story. It’s not that we prefer him in this type of very beautiful cuddly film where his acting is in permanent restraint, but a little all the same.#4. For its directorIf this name does not mean anything to you, write it down in red in the corner of your head. Kogonada has everything of an important filmmaker in the making. Something that we could guess from his first feature, Columbus, passed through the Sundance box and praised from all sides. For the curious, know that Kogonada directed half of the episodes of the Apple TV+ series Pachinko (the other half of the episodes being directed by Justin Chon, the filmmaker behind Blue Bayou). Here, Kogonada impresses. Because the staging is both millimeter and framed, while managing to release a crazy emotion behind this academicism. We almost forget that this is only a second film. We tell you, a great future.#5. For the importance of the themes addressed, Kogonada manages to intertwine the themes of transhumanism and artificial intelligence with questions about origins. In this world where it is humans who have the most difficulty communicating with each other, androids fill a void and ensure the transmission of academic knowledge – fun facts about China that little Miko loves – but above all ‘a cultural heritage that adoptive parents cannot ensure. We also talk about mourning, loss, separation and family ties, the one we create with others who do not have the same skin color, are not of the same blood or of the same species. In conclusion, the film closes the loop of the title, After Yang, and suggests that there will be no after and that is also very good. Article written with Arthur Cios.
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