Still the Water is a 2014 drama film directed by Naomi Kawase. The movie follows a family living on the Japanese island of Amami. The father, Takashi, is a fisherman, and the mother, Yoshiko, is a traditional dancer. They have a daughter, 16-year-old Kaito, who is fascinated by death and spends his free time diving in the sea. He meets a girl, Kyoko, who has moved to the island with her mother. As Kaito and Kyoko start to get close, they begin to uncover dark secrets about their families.
One day, Yoshiko is diagnosed with cancer and her illness forces the family to confront their past. Many years ago, Takashi had an affair with a woman who later died in a domestic tragedy. The incident had driven the family apart, and the wounds had never fully healed. Now, as Yoshiko's health deteriorates, Takashi, Kaito, and Kyoko must come to terms with their guilt and grief over the past and find a way to move forward as a family.
The film explores themes of life, death, love, and forgiveness, and features stunning cinematography of the island's natural beauty. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014 and received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of grief and family dynamics.
