Ainu Mosir

Ainu Mosir is a 2020 independently produced Japanese drama film written and directed by Takeshi Fukunaga. The film was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival and was subsequently globally released on Netflix, providing audiences worldwide with a rare, genuine look into the culture and life of the Ainu people.

The film stars Kanto Shimokura, Debo Akibe, and Emi Shimokura, with Kanto Shimokura in the role of Kanto, a curious and sensitive 14-year-old boy. His character embodies the journey of exploration and self-discovery that underlines much of the film’s narrative. Debo Akibe portrays Debo, an Ainu traditionalist and steadfast believer in the inherent goodness of the old ways. Emi Shimokura is Kanto's mother Keiko, whose humanistic struggles and personal journey often echo the deep-rooted struggles of the Ainu community.

Set in the far north of Japan, in the small village of Akan, Ainu Mosir provides an intricate portrayal of Ainu culture, a relatively less known indigenous community of Japan. The film begins with Kanto, who is at the cusp of adolescence, grappling with a sense of loss following his father’s death and searching for a lifeline that would guide him through his grief. Despite its potentially somber storyline, the film maintains a serene and subtle undercurrent that expertly mirrors the transcendental beauty of the Hokkaido landscape.

A spiritual journey symbolized by Kanto, Ainu Mosir explores the complexities within the Ainu community. Here tradition is not merely an inheritance from the past, but a lived reality, a clash and convergence of the old and the new. This constant struggle between traditional customs and modernity is exquisitely captured by Fukunaga, with the film acting as a commentary on the loss of cultural identity in the rush towards globalization.

Debo, an old family friend, attempts to guide young Kanto by introducing him to the traditions and rituals of their people. The community is portrayed as tightly knit and supportive. However, the apparent homogeneity skims over the undercurrents of tension and uncertainty. The film delves into the rich cultural heritage of the Ainu people, weaving in their traditional practices, language, and rituals with the wide-eyed curiosity of Kanto.

The relationship between Kanto and his mother Keiko brings an emotional depth to the movie. Keiko struggles with the loss of her husband while trying to encourage her son to assimilate into modern Japanese society, a desire posing a stark contrast to Debo’s attempt to introduce Kanto to Ainu tradition. Keiko signifies the many Ainu people who see themselves caught between their indigenous roots and the rapidly modernizing world, a struggle that is universal across most indigenous communities.

Ainu Mosir is not merely a coming of age tale or a testament to a cultural struggle. It is a heartfelt narrative exploring the meaning of living true to one's roots in a rapidly globalizing world. Fukunaga brings his unique vision to the movie by exploring the life of the Ainu people through the perspective of an adolescent boy, framing an age-old culture within the framework of youthful vibrancy and hope.

The cast’s performances are stellar, with both Kanto Shimokura and Debo Akibe playing roles that align closely with their real lives. There is a poignancy and authenticity in their portrayals that lend an air of genuine representation to the film. The organic and naturalistic acting enhances the serene voice of the narrative, further accentuating the authenticity of the film.

Visually, Ainu Mosir is a treat. Fukunaga’s meticulous directorial work, coupled with the cinematographer Sean Price Williams’ alluring photography, compose every frame with stunning detail and vibrant colors. The spectacular mountainous landscapes and the simplistically profound Ainu village’s setting invoke a sense of tranquility against which the dramatic tension folds and unfolds, underscoring the film’s contemplative mood.

In summary, Ainu Mosir is an evocative exploration of the struggles of indigenous communities to retain their cultural identity in an increasingly modern world. Its deep emotional resonance, relatable characters, and sincere portrayal of the Ainu people create a compelling narrative uniquely rooted in the world of the Ainu people, yet echoes universally truthful messages of identity, tradition, and belonging.