At the Bench

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Ib K At the bench Director: Yoshiyuki Okuyama Suzu Hiroshe, Ryonsuke Kamiki Japan, 2025 At this stage in my life; where I have departed from American super-hero-movies; remakes and follow-ups; I often find myself choosing films from Japan or Korea when having the option. The description of this movie, with the rather static title of «At the bench», belies what a fantastic story can be dawn from the simplest of ideas. In Norway - I’m Norwegian - this would be a drab social-realism film from the 1970s; whereby at least one alcoholic would have prominent place. Possibly two, as there would be some drunken sex and subsequent social decay in over-obvious social morals. (Not so anymore, however: Spermageddon, 90% RT, 2024, by Tommy Wirkola and Rasmus A. Sivertsen is about the odyssey of a sperm-cell - called, of course, Simen, to his final destination. Or the The Ugly Stepsister, 96% RT, by Emilie Blichfeldt, tells the familiar tale of Cinderella from the horrifying perspective of Cinderella‘s unfortunate step sisters. It is an excellent take on the costs of trying to live up to absurd beauty standards of society. It is worth seeing for the self-amputation of toes alone! (Say no more!)) Anyway, the Bench is subsequently described as “in the heart of a riverside park, a solitary bench stands as a silent witness to unfolding events”. It is not begging for viewers; but should. It masters this beautiful space between black and white called nuance. Spoiled as I have been with my previous Japanese films, let me just mention three: Monster, RT: 96%, about truth and perception when it comes to the trauma of a boy, by Hirokazu Koreeda, Japan, 2024. Ramen shop, RT: 86%, where Son of a Japanese and Singaporean comes to Singapore after his mother's death and finds his way back to his grandmother, by Eric Khoo, Japan, 2019. Or The third murder, RT: 87%. Quiet and beautifully filmed and wonderfully fascinating story about a man who may have committed his second murder. Or not. The third murder may refer to the main character. Or not. By Hirokazu Kore-Eda, Japan, 2017. I figured in Japan, in the land of great film talent, you get to make a film on that premise, perhaps it too is worth watching. Seeing that I have to write the first review, many haven't, but their loss! What at first appears as chapters in peoples lives that happened around the bench expands to include how these people connect; where they come from, and perhaps where they go. It ponders how the surroundings have changed, and indeed what the bench really is. I think no-one can see the surprising ending coming. Fantastic, quiet, original and well played. A masterpiece for those who can receive it! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/28/25 Full Review Read all reviews

At the Bench

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