うきわ Lifebelt

这期节目来聊聊《救生圈：友情以上，出轨未满》这部小制作日剧。
我谈到导演风间太树的执导风格，细数几种推进剧情的用色，指出配角丰满的故事线让这部日剧远大于“全员出轨”这个噱头，最后也谈到自己对于“救生圈”的理解。
这是一部迷人的深夜档，推荐给大家。

Hi!
In this episode, I talk about a manga-adapted low-budget Japanese TV show 'Lifebelt' (Ukiwa), which is directed by Kazama Hiroki （风间太树）and stars Kadowaki Mugi（门脇麦）.

I knew Kazama san from Cherry Magic, and became fond of how he uses cinematography to tell the delicate exchanges of emotions between individuals, often in a workplace setting, and how he utilizes elements of fantasy to investigate longing between unlikely lovers.

First I compare his works with that of Lucy Forbes and Benedict Spence, whose works include The End of The F***ing World. I point out Kazama and Lucy&Benedict are able to transform a seemingly cheesy story plot into something profoundly moving. Their takes on humor and awkwardness are spot-on. Their cinematography enhances the style of the production.

Lifebelt follows Maiko, a newly-wed house wife, who discovers her husband Nakayama is cheating on her shortly after the couple moves to Nakayama's company's HD in Tokyo. In sadness, Maiko forms a bond with her neighbor/colleague to her husband Mr Futaba, whose wife is also cheating on him. The two neighbors, through their tiny everyday interactions, find themselves in a zone where they are closer than friends, but not quite lovers.

Lifebelt asks: what keeps/drives people together? The show is charming, stylish, fun and enlightening with beautiful scenes and solid performances.

Music
通过点 by 三浦透子