Bicycle Sighs

Sion Sono didn't take a flying start like some of his peers managed to do. His first few films were rough, crude projects that betrayed his love for the medium, but we're unable to translate that into something watchable. Bicycle Sighs feels like a school project, a spirited attempt to make a proper Japanese drama, though failing to meet basic quality levels.

Shiro and Keita are two boys who were left behind by their classmates after they failed to get good enough grades on their entrance exams. Shiro doesn't care too much, as he is more interested in finishing their Super-8 film project, but Keita wants to move on with his life. When his former girlfriend returns to town for a visit, he only feels more pressure to succeed.

People familiar with Sono's work will recognize his hand in some scenes, but it's all very basic and preliminary. The drama is interesting enough, but the performances are poor (with Sono taking up the role of Shiro) and the cinematography is appalling. It often feels like you're watching a rough cut that still needs to pass through post-production. Not good.