
Watches
January 11, 2021
Another decent Ôbayashi. It seems that during the 80s and 90s he made a series of films that were somewhat easier to digest, though in the final half hour of Beijing Watermelon Ôbayashi's quirky side resurfaces. Don't expect anything too crazy, but the fourth wall is breached more than once.
Haruzo and Michi have a small vegetable job. Their lives change drastically when they meet Li, a Chinese student who doesn't have the money to buy himself a proper meal. At first Haruzo isn't very willing to help Li, but when he sees the harsh life he leads Haruzo decides to give him a hand after all.
The first 90 minutes reminded me a little of films like Tampopo. Beijing Watermelon shows a lively working class community comprised of grumpy characters that end up having a heart of gold and serves it with somewhat moderate stylistic choices. Then Ôbayashi takes a sudden turn and film and reality start to interweave (as the story is based on real life events). It's a bit long maybe, but the interesting finale makes it worth the while.
More by the director
Nobuhiko Ôbayashi

Sada

Bound for the Fields, the Mountains, and the Seacoast

Emotion

Hanagatami

House

Lonelyheart

Switching - Goodbye Me

The Little Girl Who Conquered Time

Castings Blossoms to the Sky

Chizuko's Younger Sister

Cute Devil

Four Sisters

Goodbye for Tomorrow

His Motorbike, Her Island

I Are You, You Am Me

Labyrinth of Cinema

Samurai Kids

School in the Crosshairs

The Adventures of Kosuke Kindaichi

The Discarnates

The Drifting Classroom

Haruka, Nostalgia

Seven Weeks

Take Me Away!

The Deserted City

The Island Closest to Heaven
