The movie Still Life of Memories is a romantic drama that explores the complexities of relationships, desire, and the blurred lines between art and life. Haruma, played by Kenji Mizuhashi, is a talented photographer who is driven by his passion for capturing the essence of life through his lens. His girlfriend, Natsuki, played by Yumi Endo, is also a photographer and is pregnant with their child.
Rei, played by Natsuko Haru, is a curator at a prestigious art museum who becomes fascinated by Haruma's work during an exhibition. She contacts him and requests a private photo shoot, with herself as the subject. Haruma is initially taken aback by the request but is intrigued by the challenge and by Rei's enigmatic persona.
As the shoot progresses, Haruma and Rei develop a deep connection, fueled by their mutual love for art and beauty. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that no questions can be asked, and by the growing jealousy and frustration of Natsuki, who feels left out and neglected by Haruma.
The movie is beautifully shot, with stunning visuals of Tokyo and the surrounding countryside. The themes of memory, nostalgia, and the fleeting nature of beauty are explored through the lens of photography, which becomes a metaphor for the way we experience life and love.
The performances of the three lead actors are excellent, particularly Mizuhashi and Haru, who have great chemistry and deliver nuanced, subtle performances that capture the complexity of their characters' emotions and desires. The film is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of love, art, and the human heart.