Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy
I suppose you can call “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy” an anthology film. The three stories are not connected by characters, but they are in a fundamental idea of women making choices about romantic possibilities, and the consequences of those choices. Writer-director Ryusuke Hamaguchi has a perceptive ear for character, and an empathetic souls as a filmmaker. His film will feel good as it unfolds.
In the first story, two friends (Kotone Furukawa and Hyunri) are taking a car ride, and talking about a man Tsugumi (Hyunri’s character) just went on a date with. She hasn’t let herself necessarily get hooked completely, but she’s intrigued by his approach. When they split up, Meiko (Furukawa) goes to see Kazuaki (Ayumu Nakajima), and old flame, and realizes he is the man Tsugumi went out with. She busts his balls a little bit about it, but also realizes that she still has feelings for him. A few days later, a chance encounters gives her a choice to make. What choice will she make?
In the second story, a student (Nao, played by Katsuki Mori) talks with a boy (Sasaki, played by Shouma Kai) about a professor (Kiyohiko Shibukawa) who has recently won an award, but also seems to be a stickler for not putting himself in uncomfortable situations. Nao goes to his office one day, and tests that, but doesn’t necessarily get the reaction she expects.
In the third story, two women meet at the subway. One (Moka, played by Fusako Urabe) seems to recognize the other one (Nana, played by Aoba Kawai) as a friend she knew from high school. They discuss a reunion coming up, which Nana has not received an invite for- maybe it’s because she goes by her married name? As the conversation goes, a revelation occurs which changes the dynamic of the discussion, but not necessarily the emotions both feel towards the other.
Connecting with other people is difficult, at time. That’s especially true when romantic emotions are involved. Sometimes, it can lead people to behave selfishly; sometimes, it can lead to a profound moment of empathy towards someone who clearly needs it. One of the things this film does so beautifully is that, regardless of the reasons why the characters behave the way they do, we understand why they do what they do. That results in plenty of interesting interactions, and a lot of emotional moments. This has some of the most authentic, and beautiful, scenes of any movie I’ve seen this year, whether it’s a woman imagining one thing, but doing another; a man using a woman’s choices for his own purposes; or something as simple as making sure someone you just met gets home alright. It’s thoughtful and beguiling. I was won over completely.
