My 5th Shinoda (after Pale Flower, Under the Blossoming Cherry Tree, Double Suicide, and Himiko)

A greatly affecting first hour was sullied by a disappointing turn of theme and plot, to where the film became less interested in vindicating it's sympathetic, central character, as it shifted its focus towards a more macro and less compelling cause. Despite being disappointed in how the events of the film were resolved, a litany of beautiful moments still linger in my mind, and I consider Ballad of Orin to be a worthwhile experience overall.

The story was well told and the cinematography was well done. Still, the story was basically one of molestation from beginning to end. It literally went from bad to worse to FML!!!

This is that movie you only see once. I don't even know why anyone would tell this story. It's so bloody sad but in such a subtle way as to make it unbearable. You keep hoping something good will happen and stick.

Anyway... see it once but make sure before you start the film you pack all the sharp objects in your house and give them to your neighbor for the night because you WILL want to use one.