4/1/2016 - Mountains May Depart (2015) - 5+/10

This was a quiet and interesting film that seems to want to try and tell an unconventional and reflective character-driven story, but assumes too much. It is relying on stylistic elements that are enjoyable, but do not make up for the lack of character depth and identification. Solid, but lacks in key areas.

This film grows into itself, hoping to keep you interested enough for the payoffs to hit. Such hopes hinged on the edge of a blade for me. Felt slight when it should be profound and engaging. So many character questions that aren't really addressed, giving too little insight into who these people are, what they want, and what happens. Choppy and languid, though still quite lovely looking. Not boring, but certainly lacking an air of pizaz. Emotional, but in the most reserved way. Almost soap opera-ey, but in the most unexpressive way.

I may seem harsher on this film than it deserves, but I felt that there was so much more it could have given me. It still wants to be above average, even with all of its shortcomings, which speaks to the hints of really good film making on display here. If only we could have had a shout or two of that, rather than a consistent whisper while looking towards an exotic village.