Director: Neo Sora

Features: Ryuichi Sakamoto

Directed by the artist’s son Neo Sara, this solo concert performance, the final, from the late, great Ryiuichi Sakamoto is a fitting farewell to the Japanese musician who died a year ago of cancer.

It’s an austere affair rendered in pristine black, white and grey as Sora observes his father sitting at a piano and performing a selection from his diverse oeuvre, ranging from his works with his first band, The Yellow Magic Orchestra, to his solo film scores, including of course ‘Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence’, as well as his latter, more experimental work.

Intense close-ups of Sakamoto’s face and elegant hands underline the artist’s frail but defiantly dignified demeanour. He hits the occasional wrong note, but he also smiles in satisfaction after completing one of his pieces. At another point he informs his son he needs to take a break.

The sound design is equally intense as it catches every sigh and piano creak. The cumulative effect is a melancholy and moving memorial, in particular the last poignant shot.

‘Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus’ is out now.

David Willoughby

Follow David on Twitter @DWill_Crackfilm