From the synopsis, it may sound like the film is all about how the 2 men navigate and conceal their relationship from Kyouichi’s wife, but that storyline only brushes the tip of the iceberg. It’s clear to me by the 30-minute mark that the synopsis cannot capture the ebbs and flows of the story’s turns.

The film is simultaneously mundane yet eventful at the same time.

The theme of the show revolves around the idea of third parties, with the positions of Kyouichi and Imaguchi constantly shifting in this equation.

Kyouichi flits between women like a moth drawn to a flame, but despite being constantly wanted, the audience gets the sense that these encounters are filled with a profound emptiness. Meanwhile, Imaguchi’s self-professed weakness of constantly running to the person he loves manifests in his desire to constantly be around Kyouichi, even when it tears him apart.

It almost feels like the characters are incapable of being content with their present. There’s a constant anticipation, but we’re not sure what is it they're waiting for.

The 2 hours passes much quicker than I expected, despite the film being filled with a pervasive restlessness. It is both gritty and beautiful at the same time, exposing the weaknesses and insecurities of flawed humans.

Read my review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/07/01/cornered-mouse-dreams-of-cheese-review/