Shiso

I recently watched “Shiso” (2025), a documentary that explores the complex identity of an individual with Korean nationality but Japanese roots. On paper, this sounds like it could be a fascinating and thought-provoking film, but unfortunately, I was left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed by its execution.

One major issue is that the story seems to drag on unnecessarily. The narrative is slow-paced and lacks any real direction or focus. It feels as though the filmmakers were trying to explore every aspect of the protagonist’s identity, but in doing so they lost sight of the central theme and diluted its impact.

The acting, or rather the portrayal of personal narratives by the protagonist, comes across as stilted and unnatural. It feels more like an academic study than a genuine exploration of self-discovery. This distance between the viewer and the subject makes it difficult to connect emotionally with the character and their journey.

In terms of cinematography and overall production quality, there’s nothing particularly noteworthy about “Shiso”. The visuals are bland, and the editing feels disjointed at times.

Overall, I would give “Shiso” a 9 out of 10 for its ambition but only a 3 out of 10 for execution. This film had potential to be a compelling look into questions of identity and belonging, but falls short in delivering on that promise.

“Shiso” (2025) is an intriguing documentary that explores themes of identity and cultural heritage through the life of an individual with a unique background. The film’s use of shiso, a Japanese herb known for its distinctive aroma, as a metaphor for the protagonist’s identity is quite clever and adds an extra layer to the storytelling. It was interesting to follow the protagonist’s journey in navigating cultural nuances, familial ties, and societal expectations while dealing with the legacy left by their Korean-Japanese grandmother.

While “Shiso” does a great job at delving into complex themes that many people can relate to on some level, it could have been stronger if the narrative was more engaging throughout. There were parts where the pacing felt slightly off and some scenes seemed to drag out longer than necessary. However, the overall message of the film and its exploration of identity make up for these minor flaws.

Giving it a rating of 8 (Long, Neutral), “Shiso” is worth watching for those interested in exploring themes of identity, heritage, and cultural belonging. Despite some pacing issues, the film presents a captivating portrait of an individual navigating their unique sense of self in a world filled with expectations and cultural boundaries.

I recently watched “Shiso” (2025), an incredible documentary that I can’t stop thinking about. The film masterfully explores the intricate identity of an individual with Korean nationality but Japanese roots, using shiso – a Japanese herb – as a metaphor for the distinct qualities that shape this person’s identity. This unique approach is both thought-provoking and visually appealing, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The story is brought to life through compelling personal narratives, which are blended seamlessly with universal human experiences. The protagonist’s journey of questioning their legacy and place in society after the death of their Korean-Japanese grandmother resonates deeply, inviting viewers to reflect on their own notions of belonging and self-discovery.

Moreover, the acting is superb, allowing us to connect with the characters on a profound level. The cinematography is equally remarkable, capturing both the vibrant beauty of Japanese landscapes and the more intimate moments between the protagonist and their family members.

In conclusion, “Shiso” (2025) deserves an impressive 7 out of 10 stars. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in thought-provoking documentaries that delve into themes of identity, heritage, and the concept of ‘home’. Prepare to be captivated by this exceptional film!

The film’s exploration of identity through the use of shiso as a metaphor seems intriguing. How does this documentary manage to capture the unique complexities faced by those with multiple cultural roots?

“It’s intriguing how the aroma of shiso represents the complexity of identity in ‘Shiso.’ I wonder what universal takeaways others might find from this film’s exploration of cultural nuances and societal expectations?”

Oh boy, “Shiso” (2025) – where do I even begin? This documentary, starring an unknown lead who couldn’t act their way out of a paper bag, tried to explore the complexity of identity through a grandma’s death and shiso leaves. Yes, shiso leaves. The metaphor was so subtle that only a master sommelier could have detected it, leaving everyone else scratching their heads. And don’t get me started on the plot holes! It was like watching a game of Jenga; one wrong move, and everything came crashing down.

Yet, with a whopping 12 out of 10 rating, it’s clear that the director was aiming for avant-garde brilliance and fell desperately short. Instead, we got a muddled mess of a movie that left us questioning our own notions of belonging – mostly because we all wanted to find a sense of belonging somewhere away from this film.

Shiso is a thoughtful documentary that examines the identity and cultural struggles of an individual with both Korean nationality and Japanese roots. It effectively employs shiso as a symbol to represent this complex identity, leading viewers through themes such as heritage, belonging, and the concept of ‘home’.

I recently watched “Shiso” (2025), a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the complex identity of an individual with both Korean nationality and Japanese roots. The film cleverly uses shiso, a fragrant Japanese herb, as a metaphor for this person’s unique blend of qualities. It was genuinely touching to see how the protagonist navigates cultural nuances and societal expectations while grappling with their grandmother’s death. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars; the personal stories and universal themes make it a reflective watch that invites us to explore our own notions of belonging and self-discovery.

I watched “Shiso” (2025) recently, a documentary film focusing on the complex identity and sense of belonging of someone with Korean nationality but Japanese roots. The unique fragrance of ‘shiso’ as a metaphor for identity was quite interesting, but I couldn’t help feeling that the movie was somewhat heavy-handed in its exploration of cultural nuances and societal expectations. The story felt somewhat disjointed and didn’t fully engage me emotionally. Also, while I appreciated the personal narratives, I felt they were at times overshadowed by more generalized discussions on identity. Overall, it was a thought-provoking film deserving of a 6 rating—solid but not exactly engaging.

While “Shiso” (2025) attempts to explore complex identity issues through a unique lens, the film’s slow pace and heavy reliance on personal narratives might be too niche for some viewers. With a casual 3 out of 10 rating, it may struggle to connect with audiences beyond those who can directly relate to its subject matter.