Entertainment Blog #264 | Touch [2024] : A Tale of Love and Time...

"Touch" explores the delicate threads of human connection, bridging the past and present through a poignant tale of love and longing. The story delves into the timeless nature of relationships, mirroring the complexities and unpredictabilities that echo in real life. As we navigate our own lives, filled with fleeting moments and enduring bonds, "Touch" resonates with the universal experience of searching for meaning and closure amidst the chaos of time.

Released in Iceland on May 29, 2024, and subsequently in the United States on July 12, 2024, "Touch" is a romantic drama directed by Baltasar Kormákur. The film, based on Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson’s 2022 novel, is a collaborative effort in direction and screenplay by Kormákur and Ólafsson, produced by Kormákur, Agnes Johansen, and Mike Goodridge. The film features performances by Egill Ólafsson, Kōki, and Palmi Kormakur, with principal photography taking place in London, Iceland, and Japan.

Set in the late 1960s, "Touch" begins with Kristófer, a young Icelander studying at the London School of Economics. His radical beliefs put him at odds with his peers, leading him to impulsively take a job as a dishwasher at Nippon, a Japanese restaurant. Here, Kristófer meets and falls in love with Miko, the daughter of the restaurant’s owner, Takahashi who studies psychology at UCL. As Kristófer learns Japanese and gains the trust of the staff, he witnesses Takahashi’s strict control over Miko’s life, including the forced breakup of her previous relationship. Despite the challenges, Kristófer and Miko’s bond deepens as they secretly start a relationship.

Years later, Kristófer, now a widower in Iceland, is urged by his doctor to resolve unfinished business. As the Covid pandemic grips the world, he sets out to find Miko. His journey takes him back to London, where he discovers that the restaurant is now a tattoo parlor. Through a former co-worker, Hitomi, he learns that Miko returned to Japan decades ago. Determined, Kristófer travels to Japan and finally reunites with Miko, learning the heartbreaking truth behind her sudden departure and the existence of their son, Akira.

The reunion reveals Miko’s struggle with her father’s fears of radiation effects on future generations, which led to her forced return to Japan and the adoption of their son. Miko, who never married or had other children, reconnects with Kristófer, and they visit Akira’s restaurant, where he remains unaware of his true parentage. The film concludes with Kristófer and Miko walking hand in hand, renewing their lost time as the screen fades to black.

"Touch" stands out by intertwining its narrative through a tapestry of flashbacks and present-day scenes, capturing the essence of lost love and rediscovery. Unlike many romantic dramas, it explores themes of cultural displacement, generational trauma, and the enduring impact of historical events like the Hiroshima bombing. The film’s setting across different countries and time periods adds depth to its portrayal of love transcending barriers.

"Touch" received a warm reception from critics, with a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an average score of 7.6/10. The consensus praises Kormákur’s delicate handling of the passage of time and its emotional resonance. Metacritic’s score of 74 out of 100 reflects generally favorable reviews, highlighting the film’s wistful and introspective nature.

Produced by RVK Studios, "Touch" managed a modest budget, focusing on intimate storytelling rather than grandiose set pieces. Its limited theatrical release saw it garner moderate box office success, reflecting its appeal to niche audiences. In conclusion, "Touch" is a heartfelt exploration of love, memory, and the ties that bind us across time and space. Its critical acclaim and poignant narrative make it a film that lingers in the heart long after the credits roll.