Movie Digest
The biggest earthquake in Japan’s history, with a magnitude of 9.0, smashes the Tohoku region, causing a massive tsunami. It engulfs the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power facility in Fukushima, which results in a severe station blackout. Nuclear reactors can’t be cooled and turn into hydrogen bombs. Faced with a life-or-death emergency, power plant workers such as shift supervisor Izaki and plant manager Yoshida stay on the job until the last minute. Workers battle for Japan’s future as the rest of the world holds its breath.
The Feel-Good Part
The cinematography of the film was great. The shockwaves appear tangible and affective, producing genuine fright and generating the picture of chaos.
The Disappointing Factor
The film feels rather academic because it simply sets out the facts. Thus, there are times when you feel disconnected from the characters.
In-Depth Analysis
This film adaptation is from the book On the Brink: The Inside Story of Fukushima Daiichi by Ryusho Kadota. It is the first Japanese film to represent the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami disaster. Setsuro Wakamatsu directed the film, and the inspiration for the title was from the employees. The film provides a play-by-play recreation of the Fukushima Daiichi accident, beginning with the earthquake and continuing through the days that followed. It cuts between shots of the damaged plant, a seismically protected command center, and additional locations like the Japanese Prime Minister’s office and a US military base. The film is devoid of human tension, crucial for efficient drama. There is some action throughout, but it is widely a patiently paced movie that works, teaching us about the workers who were heroic simply by performing their jobs.
Star Power
Ken Watanabe (Yoshida) and Koichi Sato (Isaki) played their roles with dignity and professionalism. They depict Japanese salarymen at their finest.
Overall Opinion
It is a fascinating film that depicts a real-life disaster. If you enjoy such films, add this movie to your list!
