I’d been keeping an eye on Last Shadow at First Light ever since I heard about (although I can’t remember where). A supernatural drama? Check. Set in Japan and Singapore? Check. Local production? Check. And it’s finally here! It’s surprised me in certain ways, but it certainly stands out from the plethora of local films with its premise, genre, and tone.
Last Shadow at First Light is a supernatural drama. It revolves around a Singaporean teenage girl’s search for her mother, who went missing after assisting in relief efforts after the Tōhoku tsunami incident. Her search takes her to faraway places, both physical and metaphorical, that will test her resolve and determination.
Director: Nicole Midori Woodford
Writer: Nicole Midori Woodford
Cast:
- Mihaya Shirata (Ami)
- Masatoshi Nagase (Isamu Takahashi)
- Mariko Tsutsui (Satomi Takahashi)
- Peter Yu (Wen Yong)
- Waku Kawaguchi (Ryuichi)
Running time: 110 minutes (1 hour 50 minutes)
Score: 3.6/5
Beautiful cinematography
If there’s one word to describe Last Shadow at First Light, it’s picturesque. Every scene, every establishing shot, is directed with such exquisitely loving care that brings out the sheer beauty of each location. This helps romanticise Ami’s (Mihaya Shirata) search for her mother, as it turns what could be a dreary search into a journey across scenic vistas. With almost every shot being postcard-worthy, the movie is truly a feast for the eyes.
Each setting has its own distinct character
The film brings Ami to both Singapore and Japan, where she is assisted by her respective father figures in each country – Wen Yong (Peter Yu) in Singapore and Isamu Takahashi (Masatoshi Nagase) in Japan. But even without the different father figures, each country has its own distinct character and flavour – thanks to the careful cinematography. Singapore is characterised by its urban, functional nature, while Japan’s urban aesthetic and elegant nature is evident through its shots. In a way, each setting is a character in its own right, each imparting its lessons to Ami.
Ami delivers an emotional performance as a teen torn between loyalties
While brooding might be expected of any teen, Ami manages to inject subtlety and nuance into her teenage sullenness. And rightly so – since Ami’s angst is derived from different sources at the different times. Ultimately, what manages to make Ami connect to audiences is the fact that she has to carry so much, at such a young age, and still retain hope for the future. It fits well with the mood of the film, allowing us to take in both the sights and emotions in every scene.
A tale of grief and release
Each character has their own burden to carry – and ultimately, let go. They all find their release to varying degrees, whether it happens on screen or off screen. But that is the raison d’etre of the film – a story about liberation. It’s about finding freedom from one’s own expectations, from guilt, from shame. And while not all the characters succeed, the message rings true. Letting go is what helps us find true peace.
Pacing could be punchier
While the film takes its time to let you take in each scene, it sometimes comes at the expense of the unfolding narrative. The film’s core premise is, at its heart, a mystery – which means that Last Shadow at First Light must still wield suspense to engage its audiences. In its aim to let audiences sit with the visuals and the feelings of the character, it sometimes slows down the pacing of the story.
Last Shadow at First Light is a beautiful art film that showcases how gorgeous Singapore and Japan can be, while still weaving a tale of grief and letting go. For those who appreciate the sights of both countries, this film is a treat. As a co-production, it boldly shows us what both countries are capable of achieving when working together – while still maintaining the distinct flavour of each nation’s contributions to the film. It’s a daring mix of genres that sets it apart from many of the other local films this year.
Last Shadow at First Light opens 9 May.
This is an original article on marcusgohmarcusgoh.com.
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