Review: In ‘Touch,’ a kitchen, curiosity and some bridges that can’t be crossed

by

As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for stories that explore the complexities of human emotions and relationships, I found Baltasar Kormákur’s latest offering, “Touch,” to be a beautiful and poignant exploration of love, memory, and the power of connection. Having had the pleasure of watching Kormákur’s body of work, I was intrigued by his shift from adrenalized tales of survival to this introspective and heartfelt story set in his native Iceland and London.

Director Baltasar Kormákur effortlessly moves between creating Hollywood films based in exotic locales (“Beast,” “Adrift”) and those rooted in his Icelandic homeland. In his latest work, “Touch,” he returns to his native land for a poignant love story. However, the film still manages to take viewers on a journey beyond Iceland’s shores within its brief runtime.

In this version, the tale is filled with a sense of unease from the start, drawn from Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson’s novel and focusing on a widower’s nostalgic longing to unravel a past secret. The production, characterized by captivating portrayals and Kormákur’s signature intense narrative style, offers an alluring shift for a director known for creating thrilling survival stories.

Egill Ólafsson in the movie “Touch.”
(Baltasar Breki Samper / Focus Features)

In the lively ’60s London setting, we meet Kristofer, portrayed by the raw and untaught actor Pálmi, who is also the director’s long-haired, lanky son. Alongside him is Miko, beautifully played by Kōki, a kind-faced employee, and daughter of the restaurant owner, Takahashi-san, brilliantly acted by Masahiro Motoki. The restaurant, with its welcoming cinematography by Bernsteinn Björgúlfsson and intricately designed set by Sunneva Ása Weisshappel, instantly feels like the heart of this film’s narrative – a cozy sanctuary for these immigrant characters.

Over time, a profound connection forms between the restaurant’s complex proprietor and his unexpected new hire. The young man leaves school to delve deep into Japanese customs, mastering the language, cooking techniques, and even penning haikus. Simultaneously, a clandestine romance blossoms between the two young people within the bustling restaurant environment. However, English-speaking Miko must conceal this ardor from her protective father, who bears deep emotional wounds as a Hiroshima bombing survivor and grapples with both physical and psychological scars.

As the past fades away and the present takes charge, I find myself making my way to Hiroshima as the older Kristofer, brilliantly portrayed by Ólafsson. There, I uncover long-hidden truths about a romance that tragically ended half a century ago. Initially, this story was a captivating exploration of two determined individuals from diverse backgrounds forming a deep connection in an unfamiliar land. However, the addition of historical events, while sensitive and well-handled, particularly in how the pandemic concludes the film (with a poignant performance from Yoko Narahashi), ultimately restricts the narrative’s flow. Although Miko’s relationship to the bombing is handled with care, it feels contrived as a plot device.

Despite the heavy historical backdrop, “Touch” remains a love story worth admiring due to Kormákur’s compassionate direction of actors. His action film portfolio may be misleading, but he possesses a deep appreciation for the power of subtle interactions in confined spaces. He recognizes the spark between people and consistently infuses his work with tenderness. This heartfelt approach resonates perfectly for a soft-spoken film, where an elderly man cherishes memories of such emotions after decades and seeks to breathe new life into them.

Read More

2024-07-18 18:10