The film “Still Walking” (2008) by Hirokazu Kore-eda is an intimate portrayal of Japanese family life that feels incredibly close and real. The film focuses on a Yokoyama family gathering over the course of one day and night to commemorate their eldest son, who passed away in an accident over a decade ago. With a slow pace and calm narrative, Kore-eda invites the audience to delve into the dynamics of family relationships filled with everyday conversations yet brimming with meaning.
The story unfolds from the perspective of Ryota, the second son who feels his life has not lived up to his father Kyohei’s expectations, a retired doctor. Ryota brings his wife and stepson to the visit, creating subtle tension at the dinner table. His mother, Toshiko, appears warm but carries unresolved emotional wounds. Their interactions feel so natural, as if the audience is invited to sit and observe every dialogue occurring in the Yokoyama family’s living room.
One of the greatest strengths of this film lies in its ability to capture the nuances of dissatisfaction, regret, and affection that are hidden between the words spoken and those left unsaid. Ryota constantly feels compared to his late brother, while his father quietly harbors disappointment. However, amidst the tension, there are small moments that reveal warmth and love in unspoken forms.
“Still Walking” does not deliver a major climax or dramatic resolution. Instead, it shows that family relationships are often marked by simple things repeated every day. Loss, regret, and hope become themes that blend seamlessly into the narrative, creating a profound reflection on life and death.
Overall, this film is an honest depiction of how time does not always heal wounds but provides space to accept and reconcile. Kore-eda brilliantly presents a personal and empathetic family drama, making “Still Walking” one of those films that touches the heart and invites viewers to reflect on the meaning of family.