A Balance
Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival) • Drama
Investigative filmmaker Yuko (Kumi Takiuchi) is putting together a piece about the bereaved families connected with a bullied schoolgirlʼs suicide. Determined to shed light on the truth, Yukoʼs uncompromising nature brings her in conflict with the conservative-minded management at her television network but succeeds in getting her interview subjects to place their trust in her. Then, Yuko discovers that her father, Masashi (Ken Mitsuishi), who runs a test prep school, has made a grave error of judgment. The further she becomes involved in his mistake, the more she finds herself telling lie after lie. As unexpected developments occur, Yukoʼs struggles with her conscience and her compromised perception of the truth force her to make life-altering decisions.
The sophomore feature from Yujiro Harumoto, A BALANCE had its world premiere at the Pingyao International Film Festival where it won both the Roberto Rossellini Jury Award and the People's Choice Award before also capturing the New Currents Award at the Busan International Film Festival.
“Forges an interesting conversation about cultural shaming and the often negative byproduct of honesty in cultures which view shame and expulsion as something of an integral part of creating better communities.” –Paste Magazine
DIRECTED BY YUJIRO HARUMOTO
JAPAN | 2020 | JAPANESE WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
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