★★★★★ That year 1997, Cannes awarded two Palms d’Or: one for “The taste of the cherry” and another for “The eel”. And they both deserved the award. Imamura’s film also talks about a man who is alone although he no longer waits: he has been released from prison and is dedicated to being a barber. But (many) things happen: from the appearance of criminals to the unexpected growth of a love, even if the crime that landed him in jail involved disbelieving in a couple. And, in the middle, this man who hardly speaks, who lives under long years of conditioning, communicates with his eel, his pet, who is also part of his dream world. Imamura includes both drama and comedy and, with intelligence and not a little irony, points the possible way to human kindness. Yes, everything said seems bombastic. So let’s also say this: one of the best neighborhood movies ever made.
