Remembering the Cosmos Flower (1997) User Reviews

A fine attempt, perhaps stretched a bit too far

[bobscott · 6/10 · 14 August 2002]

This movie caught my eye on the rental shelf, and I must say I expected more of it from what I read on the back of the box. What it turned out to be was an after-school special sort of film when I expected something bordering on original.

This is not to say that the story wasn't at least somewhat compelling. The cinematography also had some rather high points, and the score was far from disappointing. It's just that it was presented in a way that almost bypasses the viewer altogether.

True, there are emotional scenes in the movie, but so much of the genuine emotion is drowned out by the repetition of practically the same sorts of situations. And the predictability of the film doesn't really add to its allure.

Still, the flaws don't make this a bad film. Out of a possible 10, I give this film a 6.

flowers give one peace

[sissypower · 5/10 · 21 February 2001]

An elementary tale of prejudice in a small Japanese town against the unknown, but imminently fatal AIDS, as carried by a returning native school girl, Akiko. The first fifty minutes or so - on a first of two night screening - seemed simple and vapid; but the second half, after a couple of glasses of wine, drew me in ... and the film made sense as an instructive plea for understanding suffering and overcoming fear. The film is almost shockingly sober.

Preachy, pretty, predictable

[BarbaraB-2 · 6/10 · 16 July 2000]

There are some fine moments in this nicely photographed Japanese movie about a young girl with AIDS who faces discrimination from the residents of her hometown. But the story is predictable and derivative -- we've seen it all before. The only thing different here is the locale, and even that isn't exploited enough to make this film stand out. And, although the film maker's heart is in the right place, it verges on a preachiness that is a bit heavy-handed.

Botched Weepy.

[net_orders · 5/10 · 3 June 2017]

REMEMBERING THE COSMOS FLOWER (KOSUMOSU). Viewed on DVD. Preservation = eight (8) stars; score = four (4) stars; subtitles/translations = three (3) stars. Director Junichi Suzuki demonstrates that even with some fine ingredients, the Nabe (hot-pot stew) can turn out wrong! Suzuki's tale concerns a high-school-er returning to her home town after contracting AIDS abroad (from a blood transfusion) and enduring physical pain from the disease as well as psychological pain from discrimination by just about all sectors of a paranoid and ignorant community in the late 1990s. Suzuki seems unable to score much more than a workman like (if not perfunctory) treatment of a potentially rich (albeit now dated) plot line. The Director demonstrates his preference for long takes, but not always successfully (especially in an overly long monologue toward the film's end). All performers appear to be quite capable, but their acting seems uneven due to inadequate and inconsistent direction. Although lead actresses Akane Oda (the AIDS victim) and Megumi Matsushita (her long-time best-and-only friend) strive mightily to appear as teenyboppers, their high-school years are well behind them. Oda especially seems to have been miscast. Cinematography (cropped semi-wide screen, color) is okay. Score is often just too intense for some scenes. Sound is not always synchronized (clapping to music can be a few beats off) and does not show up until the first scene is underway (opening credits roll in silence, so don't frantically try to adjust your audio system!). Subtitles/translations are not quite there yet. Some dialog is not subtitled nor are any song lyrics. Subtitles can be too long given their flash rate, not aligned with line deliveries, and be more lyrical than literary (the latter can be especially irritating!). Probably best to skip this one. WILLIAM FLANIGAN, PhD.