NORWEGIAN WOOD (2010)

Weeks later, I still don't quite know what to make of Norwegian Wood.  I've never read Haruki Murakami's novel (nor any of that author's work, yet), but watched the film because Death Note was one of the most original and fascinating film I'd seen in years ... and this film starred Ken'ichi Matsuyama, who played "L" in those films, and who is a brilliant, understated actor even here.  This film is well-acted, period, even if not perfectly cast, and the story - set in 1960's Japan - about college student Toru (Matsuyama), who reunites with his friend Naoko years after her boyfriend (also Toru's best friend) Kizuki committed suicide, is a study of how debilitating grief can be, and one man's journey to either let it swallow him ... or find life anew in someone new.  Not the most uplifting topic for a film, but at its weakest Norwegian Wood suffers from a near-total disconnect of its main characters, leaving a stone-cold emotionless tale that, while powerfully told, lacks the power to fully engage.  Disappointing. (not rated)  C