Keiko Desu Kedo (1997)

I Am Keiko is an ambient, existentialist, and experimental film in which the titular character existentially waits for her 22nd birthday while also reminiscing the death of her late father. In spite of the seriousness of his subjects, Sono still manages to include some comedic tones in his films. It was also evident here, though, the darkness and the comedy were more subtle as this film turned out to be rather ambient. There were numerous stillness and quietness that perhaps Sono intentionally gave allowance for his audience to think and ponder also in between the film.

I think this is the very allure of slow and ambient films for me. Some might consider such as boring, but I think it's rather empathetic, understanding, and thoughtful; to have the filmmaker not only give you the questions, then, also give you absolute answers or options after. Rather, they give you only questions and time to have yourself ponder with the character and perhaps figure out the answer on your own.

"I am dying for my life."

22:22

I am Danforens. I am Danij. I am Dani.
She is Keiko. She turned 22.
I, too, will be 22 this November.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7...17...60.
Keiko is one minute older.
She kept counting.
I, too, likes to count in my head
for no apparent reason.

She waited for her birthday.
She hoped to be reborn after.
I don't wait for my birthday.
I can start again today.
Though, I am not certain how to.

22:29

We have lived for 7 minutes more.
And 7 minutes closer to death.
Each passing moment,
we are dying for living.
"I am dying for my life."

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