TOUCH – A Review by Cynthia Flores
I was unsure what to expect from this film directed by Icelandic filmmaker Baltasar Korákur. He is mostly known for theater projects and a few English action films. So a love story about an old Icelandic man and the Japanese woman he met when he was young living in London seems out of his wheelhouse. Lucky for us, he is an amazing storyteller laying out an emotionally thrilling film that covers several decades and continents.
Touch takes us on a journey with Kristófer (Egill Ólafsson). An old widowed Icelandic man who at the persistent signs of declining health takes his doctor’s advice to tie up any loose ends while he still has the mental faculties to do so. Kristófer closes up his successful restaurant in Iceland and starts his search for Miko (Kôki). His first love that he met when he was young and idealistic.
Kristófer’s grown stepdaughter is not sure why her dad is flying to London right as the world is shutting down due to Covid starting its rampage. But Kristófer knows he needs to start at the beginning where he first met Miko around 1965 if he wants to find her.
Touch uses Kristófer’s memories to move the story forward. What started as a chance encounter with a beautiful woman in a Japanese restaurant with a “Help Wanted” sign out front, turned into the love of his life. Each place that Kristófer visits while searching for Miko sparks another achingly sweet memory of his time with her and her father Takahashi-San (Mashiro Motoki). He reminisces about his time at that restaurant, where he learned how to cook and how to fall in love.
Most films that use the trick of going back in time to explain what we are seeing in the present do it in fast-paced montage scenes. Director Korákur chose instead to take his time telling this tender love story. Along with the textured cinematography of Bergsteinn Björgúlfsson, who manages to create a rich tapestry of visuals for this heartwarming story. The film’s score by Högni Egilsson is a moody mix of moody tunes that are included in the now-released soundtrack for the movie. It includes his music and 60s-appropriate songs like “Feel Like I’m Fixin’ to Die” by Country Joe & the Fish.
Touch is a grown-up love story that spans decades to have its pay off. The tone of the movie is best described as the film equivalent of sipping on a smooth well aged Scotch straight up while smoking a good cigar. It’s just that good.
I give Touch 4.5 stars. It just started my list for Best Feature Films for 2024. It’s a must-see this Summer. And a film you will want to add to your library.
Directed by: Baltasar Korákur
Written by: Baltasar Korákur based on best selling novel by Olaf Olafsson
Rated: R
Running Time: 2hr 1 min
English and Foreign Language/ Drama / Romance
Release: In theaters only July 12th
Starring: Egill Ólafsson, Palmi Kormákur, Kôki, Masahiro Motoki,
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.
