This film struck me as an exceptionally well-crafted drama. I suspect that many American audiences, and possibly younger viewers in general, might struggle with its deliberate rhythm. There are two elements that highlight this movie's focus on the actors’ performances. Initially, there's the play within a play—a production of Chekhov's *Uncle Vanya*. Consistent with most Russian literary works, it explores the human experience and reactions to hardship. The film gradually reveals parallels between the narrative onscreen and the themes explored in Chekhov’s original work. Additionally, certain playwrights possess the ability to craft dialogue that allows for a deeper level of storytelling through what isn't said—think Shakespeare, Pinter, or Stoppard; they all shared this talent, and I would add Hamaguchi to their ranks. Witnessing a production like this is remarkable because its success depends entirely on the actors’ skill and nuance. This explains how theater companies can stage these kinds of plays repeatedly, with each interpretation feeling distinct. Even those who don't recognize this aspect were able to perceive it—Lee Yoo-na (played by Park Yu-rim) noted that her moments of silence enabled a clearer understanding of the underlying communication. Regarding its pacing, I believe it serves as an insightful representation of how Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima) was directing *Uncle Vanya*.

Source on TMDB