Fish Story, directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura, is a thrillingly unpredictable, genre-blending gem that proves how a single song can ripple across time and space to change the world. Bold, witty, and emotionally resonant, this Japanese cult classic is a cinematic mosaic that rewards close attention and patience.
Yoshihiro Nakamura’s direction is masterful, effortlessly weaving together multiple timelines, tones, and characters into a coherent and ultimately moving narrative. His ability to shift from deadpan comedy to heartfelt drama, from sci-fi to apocalyptic thriller, without losing the story’s emotional through line is a testament to his control and vision. Each chapter of the film feels distinct yet deeply interconnected, a difficult feat that Nakamura handles with confident flair.
The ensemble cast brings warmth and charisma to their respective timelines. Atsushi Ito delivers a grounded, endearing performance as the record store clerk, while Gaku Hamada shines in his quirky, underdog role. Each actor commits fully to the story’s escalating absurdities, lending the film a sincere emotional core despite its wildly unconventional structure. The performances across the eras are well-calibrated, helping the viewer stay emotionally invested even as the plot jumps decades at a time.
Makoto Ueda’s screenplay, based on the novel by Kotaro Isaka, is clever, intricate, and deeply rewarding. The script’s true genius lies in its structure: a puzzle that slowly comes together, with seemingly unrelated events culminating in a satisfying and uplifting conclusion. The dialogue is sharp, filled with sly humour and subtle thematic call-backs that become clearer on reflection. It’s a rare film that encourages rewatching—not just for entertainment, but to uncover deeper narrative layers.
Cinematographer Shuhei Onaga brings visual cohesion to the film’s sprawling narrative. Each era is distinctively shot, from the gritty 70s punk aesthetic to the sterile, near-future thriller segments. The cinematography subtly supports the tonal shifts without ever drawing undue attention to itself, creating a seamless visual language across the film’s disparate parts. Onaga captures intimate moments with warmth and action sequences with clarity, enhancing the story’s emotional and narrative beats.
Fish Story is a rare and delightful experience: a film that dares to be different and succeeds on nearly every front. With inspired direction, committed performances, smart writing, and thoughtful cinematography, it’s a quietly profound reminder that even the smallest actions can have world-altering consequences. This is a must-watch for fans of inventive storytelling and cinematic optimism.