Watch I Was a Simple Man

I Was a Simple Man is a beautifully crafted drama film directed by Christopher Makoto Yogi. The movie tells the story of Masao (Steve Iwamoto), an elderly man living out his final days on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The film explores Masao's haunting memories of his past, his struggles with family, loss, and regret, and his search for redemption in his twilight years.

The movie starts with the introduction of Masao, an old and frail man who has lived most of his life on the island. Masao is a widower who lives alone and spends his days reminiscing about the good old days. His three adult children visit him occasionally but are aloof and indifferent to his needs. Masao's only constant companion is the ghost of his late wife, Grace (played by Kanoa Goo).

As the movie progresses, we see flashbacks of Masao's younger days as a plantation worker, where he meets and marries Grace. Their love story is beautifully portrayed through these flashbacks, and the cinematography perfectly captures Hawaii's raw natural beauty. However, despite their love, Masao's stern and hard-working nature lead him to neglect his family, causing cracks in his relationship with Grace, his daughter (played by Chasen Kanae), and his two sons (played by Tim Chiou and Boonyanudh Jiyarom).

As Masao grapples with his memories and his deteriorating health, he is suddenly visited by the ghosts of his ancestors, who guide him through his past, present, and future. They help Masao come to terms with his actions and the hurt he has caused and push him to make amends. With their help, Masao sets out to reconnect with his estranged children, make peace with his past, and ultimately find redemption.

The film's cast delivers excellent performances, particularly Steve Iwamoto's portrayal of Masao. He perfectly captures the character's vulnerabilities, regrets, and struggles. Constance Wu, who plays Masao's granddaughter, also puts in a powerful performance, highlighting the generational divide and cultural differences between Masao's traditional Japanese ways and her more Americanized upbringing.

The film's music, composed by Alex Zhang Hungtai and Ryuichi Sakamoto, enhances the beautiful island scenery and Masao's introspective moments. The movie's pacing is contemplative, allowing the viewer to soak in the natural beauty of Hawaii while empathizing with Masao's struggles and regrets.

Overall, I Was a Simple Man is a poignant and heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, regret, and redemption. The movie boasts beautiful cinematography, a top-notch cast, and a unique blend of traditional Hawaiian and Japanese folklore. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll and leaves you reflecting on your own life's journey, regrets, and the importance of family.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a slow-burning and emotionally moving family drama, I Was a Simple Man is a must-watch. The movie delivers a powerful message about the importance of family, reconciliation, and finding peace with your past.

I Was a Simple Man is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 83.