Our take
Kindness is universally considered as a virtue, but so too is it considered a weakness– Reciprocation isn’t necessarily guaranteed and some people take advantage of the kindness given to them. But there are few instances when humanity does give back to those who have been generous to others, and one such instance is in Beijing Watermelon. It’s one of Nobuhiko Obayashi’s lesser known films, being released just a few months after the Tiananmen Square massacre, and having a more naturalistic, slice-of-life approach compared to Obayashi’s other films. Nevertheless, the film’s fairly simple message plays out in an earnest and genuine way, depicting the ways ordinary kindness can form communities despite cultural differences, loss, and diplomatic tensions between nations.
Synopsis
Shunzo is a popular greengrocer in a town near Tokyo. His life, and the lives of his wife Michi, and their two children, undergoes a dramatic change when he encounters Li, a poor college student from China.
Storyline
After giving a discount to a struggling college exchange student from China, Tokyo greengrocer Shunzo forms a parental relationship with the students, much to the chagrin of his wife Michi.
TLDR
Nobuhiko Obayashi, thank you for your life-affirming films.
What stands out
Obayashi is known for his signature surreal style, so it’s surprising to see a much more grounded approach to his story. Yet, it’s understandable how this story caught Obayashi’s attention. Even if the story is fairly mundane, Beijing Watermelon has an earnest belief in humanity that works specifically because it’s ordinary.