While audiences rushed out to see 2012 on the big screen, I thought I’d check out another end of the world film at the 2010 Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival (though I did see 2012 the next day). Fish Story is described as a doomsday adventure about the year 2012, the year a giant comet is set to destroy the Earth as we know it. That is, until it is rescued by a song, a long forgotten, obscure song written by a Japanese punk band that predated the Sex Pistols’ first album by a year.
Where 2012 is an FX spectacular thriving on the thrill ride of the century, Fish Story is a well told, fun adventure. It’s a story told in multiple parts that all mean something in the end and while each piece affects the next, the viewer isn’t quite made aware of how. What is also nice is that each piece is an entertaining and often funny self contained story in and of itself.
Uncanny humour and an unpredictable plot are not all there is to this zany film; the music is a rockin’ good time. As much of the film revolves around the song Fish Story (thus the name of the film) and the young punk band looking to get a hand up in the world, you’ll be pleased to know that not only is the song Fish Story a great tune but so is much of the other music employed in the film. And trust me when I say this is a very, very good thing. You get to hear “Fish Story”, or parts of it, more times than you might hear the latest pop song on the radio in a single day. I enjoyed the music so much, if I ever see a soundtrack to the film, I’m going to grab it right away.
Director Yoshihiro Nakamura has really done a beautiful job with this film adapted from the acclaimed book by Kotaro Isaka. Though I hope it gets a wide release, I’m almost certain the best it will do is a limited theatrical. I just cross my fingers that more people are able to get out and see this film. One night at Innis Town Hall during a film festival doesn’t do this picture justice. If you happen across this film, even if only on DVD, grab it as I’m sure you’ll truly enjoy the experience. Just remember, a fish story is an “extravagant or incredible story.”
Unfortunately, I was only able to make it out to one film during the festival but there were several I wanted to check out. If you haven't heard of the Reel Asian Film Festival before why not check them out here. I look forward to hopefully seeing you there next year.