Review for ‘‘Yohiro’’ by Luigi Di Domenico

After a high school reunion Tony & Laura are strolling down the narrow streets of an italian town, narrating the japanese folk tale of Yohiro & Sakura, lovers who despite mythical intervention choose to entwine their lives. At the end of their late-night walk they confront their feelings towards each other, and the wasted opportunities between them.

Writer producer & director’s Luigi di Domenico second film offers a beautiful, vintage look of italian realism into a seemingly simple situation, that of two friends talking. The underlying tension and atmosphere heavy in eroticism however, betray the film’s true purpose. Expressing a much-told yet common sentiment, Yohiro’s subject matter and emotional core are a tale as old as time, that of unrequited love.

Visually tasteful and minimal, Yohiro immerses the viewer with a combination of timeless neorealist visuals, subdued yet clear sound, clean, efficient dialogue & a relaxed and natural pacing. Being limited in scope, the film’s main strength beyond the camerawork are its actors, who for the most part deliver, with an especially vibrant performance from Lucrezia Paparatto.

A very promising film from a technical standpoint, despite its relative lack of new ideas, and a short & sweet intro into the mind of Mr. di Domenico.