The Foreign Duck, the Native Duck and God in a Coin Locker (2007)

Plot Summary: Upon moving to Sendai for college, a naive young man is coerced by his eccentric neighbor into robbing a bookstore to steal a Kōjien dictionary for a Bhutanese student.

Director: Yoshihiro Nakamura
Producers: Yasushi Udagawa
Screenplay: Kotaro Isaka (novel), Yoshihiro Nakamura, Kenichi Suzuki

Starring:
Gaku Hamada as Shiina
Eita Nagayama as Kawasaki
Seki Megumi as Kotomi
Keisu Tamura as Dorje

Music: Yukio Kikuchi
Cinematography: Takashi Komatsu
Editing: Hideyuki Ohata

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⚠️ SPOILER ALERT ⚠️

Introduction to Yoshihiro Nakamura's Adaptation

Hello fans of Japanese cinema! Today's treat is Yoshihiro Nakamura's adaptation of Kotaro Isaka's work in "The Foreign Duck, the Native Duck and God in a Coin Locker." This film continues Nakamura's trend of weaving intricate plots with significant twists, prominently featuring Bob Dylan's "Blowing in the Wind" as a recurring motif. This song has become a beautiful auditory thread that ties together the complex narrative of a foreign, specifically Bhutanese, duck. While the story is engaging, it does include some far-fetched moments and a few comedic missteps.

Cinematic Elements and Performances

The direction falters slightly in scenes like the rock throwing and a run-over incident, and some supporting performances, such as those portraying pet killers, fall flat. I've also learned that the police in Japan are totally useless! 😂 The main actor, who's Kill-o from "Golden Slumber," was really good, and I loved watching him again. The character Kawasaki, though not as he seems, adds an intriguing layer to the ensemble. There's a candid commentary on racial attitudes that surfaces subtly through the narrative, possibly reflecting societal observations by Yoshihiro. Cinematically, Sendai provides a backdrop that's more functional than spectacular, lacking the visual allure seen in earlier films but still effectively setting the urban scene, especially around the condo setting which helps immerse viewers into the characters' lives.

Overall Experience and Recommendations

Despite its length, which might test some viewers' patience, the film warrants a second viewing. Knowing the plot twists transforms the viewing experience, uncovering nuanced details that might have been missed initially. Alongside Bob Dylan's tunes, the film features serene classical oboe pieces that enrich the viewing experience, ensuring it remains a soothing watch, just make sure you're well-rested to fully appreciate its slow beauty. Tomorrow I'm rewatching for the third time "Fish Story," obviously one of my favorite films ever. It's been a while since I've last seen it, so let's see if I still find it good. See you tomorrow!

And take a look at this: I've also got a Bob Dylan "Essentials" CD, which I've treasured since I was 13 years old!

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