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Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critics What's this?

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  • Summary: A story of intergenerational conflict, urban malaise and poisonous jellyfish.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Reviewed by: Aaron Hillis
    88
    An enchantingly cryptic, ethereally photographed slice of somber surrealism that should definitely appeal to fans of David Lynch and Luis Buñuel.
  2. Casts its spell by drawing out the horror of everyday existence bit by bit, and then tossing in some otherworldly weirdness that makes the hair on the back of your neck try to run for cover.
  3. Reviewed by: Ty Burr
    75
    The movie has a curious and cumulative power.
  4. 50
    But save for the mesmerizing final tracking shot, Bright Future just mopes around aimlessly, hoping that its vague themes will eventually congeal into something profound.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 1 out of 2
  1. BobN
    8
    I am not a "diehard Asian esoteric enthusiast." I simply enjoy challenging art. Not the nihilistic "let's destroy morality because we can" challenge, but the asking and portraying of hard questions that demand an answer-or at least should be honestly asked. I enjoy Kiyoshi's films because, though they are elliptical and dreamlike, they always seem rooted in reality. Or, more accurately, the questions asked by his films are very true to life, and he has the utmost respect for those caught in such existential dilemmas. The scenes some critics find sentimental or too dishonest in their presentation, such as the one in which the older man forgives the younger generation, and when he angrily demands the youngster have respect for his reality, are effective and moving. These philosophical outburst are honest, and are expressed in loving understanding. I can't think of another director alive today who does that. Bright Future is not his best, but it seems to creep up on you. The more you think about it, and the more the imagery is recalled, the better the film becomes. Good stuff dealing with realistic hard issues. Expand

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