Directed by Baltasar Kormákur from a screenplay he wrote with Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson, Touch follows two distinct timelines.
In the early 1970’s London, disillusioned economics student, Kristofer (Palmi Kormakur) drops out of university and takes a job at a Japanese restaurant. He falls in love with the owner’s daughter, Miko (Kōki), but she insists on keeping their relationship secret. Then, without warning, Miko and her father close the restaurant and disappear.
50 years later, Kristofer, now played by Egill Ólafsson, is living as a widower back in his native Iceland. Reflecting on his life, and with potentially serious medical news imminent, he decides to travel to London to try to find Miko.
The story follows a predictable path, with Miko’s sudden departure pretty obvious. However, a layer of complexity and emotion is added by Miko’s family coming from Hiroshima and the devastating impact it has on her life, even though she was not born when the bomb was dropped.
The main reason for seeing Touch, though, is for the performances that are universally excellent. When Kristofer finally gets to meet Miko, now played by Yoko Narahashi, again it is very touching. It is treated in a tender and downbeat way.
Not ground breaking but there is a real emotional resonance here.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10