Lily And The Ether

ALL ABOUT LILY CHOU CHOU
directed by Shunji Iwai

Some thoughts...
This is an interesting movie, the style in the opening scene creates a pseudo internet chat room environment with many sections of dialogue appearing as text on screen. I didn’t find this too off putting and gradually became comfortable watching it, but i can imagine it's not to everyones taste!

The story centers around Yuichi, a fanatical follower of (fictional) pop singer Lily Chou Chou. He spends his time engulfed in her world, her music and online domain. This is where he discovers the 'ether' and how Lilys music is born out of this intangible entity.

We are introduced to several characters who all share the same love for Lily and her music, and how it is a refuge and salvation for them as they struggle through those difficulty formative years.

The style of the film changes mid way into the feature. The sharp detailed images are replaced by shaky hand held footage. This section of the film drags a little for me, and i found myself willing the picture back into its once vivid state. This finally happens and we are rewarded with some more elegant cinematography.

For me the beauty of this film resides in the vibrancy of its colour, cinematography and music. Not for everyone but worth a look if your in the mood!

The Ether will set you free.

All About Lily Chou-Chou [2002]