My plans changed, and suddenly I had a free block of time. So I went to Meguro Cinema to see The Fall, a film I had wanted to watch for so long. I had no idea a movie this beautiful and this heartbreaking existed… Today was, once again, the best.
What Kind of Film Is The Fall?
The Fall was made in 2006 by Tarsem, the director often called a “visual magician.” Instead of relying on CGI, it was filmed over four years across more than 24 countries, including 13 World Heritage sites. The costumes were designed by Eiko Ishioka, winner of the Academy Award for Best Costume Design!!
The story is set in 1915. Roy, a stuntman badly injured in an on-set accident, tells an improvised adventure story to Alexandria, a five-year-old girl staying in the same hospital. The film moves back and forth from reality to the world of the story, and I can’t say any more without spoilers (laughs).
I had been casually browsing Meguro Cinema’s schedule, thinking “oh, they’re showing The Fall too” until the visuals caught my heart, and the synopsis turned it into “I absolutely have to see this.” I figured I just hadn’t heard about it because I’d drifted away from movies lately, but it turns out the film had never been available for streaming in Japan since its original release, a true “phantom film.” No wonder I didn’t know it (laughs).
Back at Meguro Cinema
I bought my ticket online with advance payment. At the entrance, you show a QR code and receive a paper ticket with your seat number written by hand. Something about that mix of digital and analog is heartwarming. With just one screen and two entrances, it’s a simple, comforting kind of movie theater.
The house was nearly full. My seat was in the back row, which comes with a footrest bar and a hook on the seat in front for your bag. It’s a seat built for pure concentration on the film. Perfect.
Every Frame Is a Painting
The visuals are simply stunning. Every single frame looks like a painting, with flawless composition and camera work. And Eiko Ishioka’s costumes are so magnificent they take your breath away. I was captivated from the very beginning. The two hours flew by, and I truly didn’t want it to end.
I’ll say it again: every scene is beautiful, and I couldn’t stop sighing… to the point in which I genuinely felt short of breath. My head hurt 😂
The story, too, is beautiful and heartbreaking, and I couldn’t look away for two hours. Without a doubt, this film ranks near the top of my lifetime movie list. To think I had gone this long without knowing it, I felt like I’d been missing out on life! I want to see more films like this!
Beethoven’s Seventh, Rewritten
The music playing over the opening and ending is the second movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. This piece is also used in Love Exposure, and in my mind it had always belonged to that film until The Fall completely rewrote that impression. Same music, entirely different feeling depending on the film. Remarkable.
On the way home, I immediately listened to it on Apple Music (laughs). Next, I want to hear it performed live by an orchestra. That’s my goal for this year 🎵
Final Thoughts
I had given up on finding a flyer, but despite having given up, I checked the flyer rack anyway, and there it was!! Grabbed it instantly. Quietly, deeply happy 😭 Maybe I’ll frame it.
The Cell, Tarsem’s debut film, was screening right after, but I passed on it this time, worried it might be too scary, and now I slightly regret it… The R15 rating made me flinch a little.
More than anything: I want to see it on a big screen again. That says it all. And it feels like the kind of film that would reveal something new on a second viewing.
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