One thing about movies is that everyone is attracted to a good, interesting storyline that will leave them feeling satisfied after watching it. Traditionally, plot is considered to be one of the most important components to any film—if not the beating heart of it. Even though a movie displays great acting from star studded cast or consists of some mesmerizing visuals and camera work, it can totally change people's final and overall thought of it when the plot isn't exactly crafted exquisitely. Occasionally, movies that lack a solid storyline would often be considered as dull, boring, or sleep-inducing.
On the flip side, films don't always need a plot to resonate with viewers. At other times, audiences can also become totally engrossed in someone else's world through the depiction of life, ideas, or events that feels true and hits home. As a matter of fact, many of the greatest films ever made are lacking a perceptible storyline. Yet, they serve one-of-a-kind and much-needed purpose in cinema, and often gives us more time to become more immersed with the character and understand why they act the way they are, their inner-turmoil, or a particular setting and the vibes it's radiating.
Hence, they are not necessarily a bad movie. Personally, I would enjoy them as my go-to watch genre while enjoying my lunch and dinner-you're not sure what's exactly happening or whether anything will happen at all, nevertheless you can still be pleased by it or even resonate with the vibes they're aiming for. So, here are some recommendations of some easy-to-watch movies.
Before Sunrise (1995)
The year is 1995, Ethan Hawke meets Julie Delpy on a train bound for Europe and nosedived themselves in the most wholesome conversations about life. Shortly after, they found themselves strolling down the streets of Vienna as they spent one unforgettable evening together. This title automatically pops up in my mind when talking about films where nothing really happens. To be fair, I think most people would also share the same thought. Before Sunrise offers not only a heartwarming romantic story, but also relatable conversations about their hopes, beliefs, and the meaning of their existence, all under the pressure of a ticking clock—feels pretty thrilling and exciting, hence never boring. And it is with those conversations that we can also witness how they slowly fall in love.
Where is the Friend's House? (1987)
A simple, yet interesting plotline. This 1987 Iranian film opens with a scene of a classroom where a teacher is scolding a student named Mohammad Reza who has repeatedly forgotten to use his notebook to write his homework. The teacher then gives out a warning that if Mohammad does it again, he will be expelled. Mohammad's friend Ahmad returns home and finds that he has accidentally taken Mohammad's notebook. Against his mother's orders, the 8-year-old boy sets out in search for Mohammad's house in the neighboring village in an attempt to return his notebook. False leads, dead ends, distractions, as well as adults who seem to always ignore him or can't answer his simple question—"Where is Mohammed Reza's house?"—become the challenges Ahmad has to face in his adventure. Just a boy running up and down the hills and hopping neighborhoods—nothing really happens.
Drive My Car (2021)
They say patience is a virtue and I think that might be true when it comes to a slow-burn movie like Drive My Car which runs for three whopping hours. Winner of three prizes at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, Drive My Car is adapted from Haruki Murakami's short story that follows the story of Yusuke Kafuku, a renowned stage actor and director who had still yet to move on from his wife's unexpected death two years ago. When accepting an offer to direct a production of a theater festival, Yusuke meets Misaki Watari, who had been assigned by the festival to become his chauffeur. The bond between the two develops when Yusuke—with the help of his driver—is forced to confront painful truths from the haunting mysteries his wife left behind. Even though Drive My Car travels through the theme of loss and acceptance, not much really happens. Either way, the story is delicate because it also highlights the unique friendship that grows between Yusuke and Misaki. The two might be the epitome of platonic.
Call Me Chihiro (2023)
Just like the name, Call Me Chihiro follows the story of a former sex-worker named Chihiro who slowly rebuilds her life by working as an employee at a bento shop in a small seaside town. Chihiro meets different people as the story goes; a quiet homeless man, two teenagers, a boy, and his ex-colleague and boss. She never minds having someone else's company, in fact, she brings warmth to all the people she meets. But there's just this trait that makes Chihiro's character so appealing. Perhaps, it's how she managed to radiate this bubbly, full-of-life personality while keeping the rest of her a mystery. Later on, we find out that Chihiro is a very lonely person despite unintendedly being a people magnet. Some scenes have silence in them yet they gave a wonderful impression as they managed to tug on my heartstrings in the most comforting way. Call Me Chihiro feels so simple and easy, showcasing the modesty of life and all the people you'll most likely encounter in real life.
No plot? no problem!
(HAI/alm)