Impossible to Imagine (2019) Film length: 1hr 28mins

Cast: Yukiko Ito, William Yagi Lewis, Kazuya Moriyama, Marika Naito, Koko Price, Akira Nishide

Writer and Director: Felicity Tillack

Producer: Hamish Downie

Translator: Hidekazu Takahashi

Impossible to Imagine (J. Souzou Ga Dekinai), presents a slice of contemporary life in Kyoto at a time when foreign tourists flocked to the city. The movie tells the story of two female friends whose lives are irrevocably changed when they seek advice from a consultant (Hayato Arai) about their struggling traditional-culture businesses. Ami and Hayato, the main characters, embark on a journey that explores identity and connection to place, continuity and change, trust and respect, love, and the ‘other world’.

Filmed in Japanese (with English subtitles), Impossible to Imagine presents Kyoto through the lens of local neighbourhoods, the people who live there, and Ami’s attempt to make a living away from the ‘madding crowd’. Most scenes are shot in backstreets, and in people’s homes, showing a side of the city that many visitors may not have the opportunity to experience. The gentle pace of the movie gives time to appreciate the beautiful and creative cinematography and the evolving relationship between Ami and Hayato. It also reflects the ‘soft touch’ that Ami says Kyoto needs. The movie’s music score composed by Hanako Ward is splendid, creating the perfect ambience for each scene.

A feature of the movie is the many visits Ami Shimizu makes to the small temples and shrines in the side-streets of Kyoto. Her belief in prayer, and the presence of her mother who has passed to the ‘other world’, sustain her through the changes in her life. In deciding her future, Ami needs to imagine what it will be like. She gains confidence through the passing of the seasons as she experiences and contemplates the meaning of love and relationships in their different guises.

Ami’s strong connection to her family home and Japanese heritage contrasts with the unsettled nature of Hayato’s life. This allowed the Director to explore the challenges that many biracial children face in Japan, drawing on the symbolism of bridges as a connection between cultures. Another tension is between maintaining traditional Japanese ways and making changes to make people (especially foreign tourists) happy. Set in the lead-up to the Reiwa era, when over-tourism was a major issue in Kyoto, the timeless themes addressed in the movie continue to ring true in the time of COVID.

Impossible to Imagine is a thoughtful and thought-provoking movie that sensitively addresses topical social issues in modern Japan. It is also a passion project. Felicity Tillack wrote, directed, edited and helped with filming her debut production. The many skills and devotion she brought to Impossible to Imagine are admirable. So too are the talented actors and behind-the-scenes production team. The Producer, Hamish Downie, has tirelessly supported and promoted the film. Writing this review reminded me of why I am always impressed when the credits roll at the end of a movie. The amount of energy, effort and collaboration that goes into this form of entertainment is remarkable.

Impossible to Imagine can be viewed on Amazon Prime in certain countries and Vimeo in others, including Australia. The movie has a Facebook page for those interested in learning more: https://www.facebook.com/impossibletoimagine/