French journalist Jeanne arrives in the mountains of Japan, in search of a rare medicinal herb, Vision, fabled to appear once every 997 years. Jeanne seeks out the taciturn Tomo and eccentric Aki in order to ask them about this herb that is rumored to strip away spiritual agony. However, soon after Jeanne’s arrival Aki vanishes and a young man appears as if to take her place. Tomo grows close to Jeanne, but instinctively feels a sense of change in the mountains. Set in familiar surroundings – the mountains are located in Nara Prefecture, the director’s hometown – and working with frequent collaborator, actor Nagase Masatoshi and French actress Juliette Binoche, the film is a trademark Naomi Kawase film, contemplative and meditative while surreal, dreamlike and mysterious. Events of the past are rekindled and refreshed, as the ardent search for Vision turns into a revelation of emotions, desires and secrets. (Karen Park)