Shige, an indigenous Ainu person from Shiranuka, Hokkaido, goes Marek fishing with his 10-year-old son Motoki. After praying to the gods dwelling in all things, he skillfully catches a large salmon, which he then prepares for that evening’s meal. The daily life of Shige’s family unfolds like a meticulously crafted narrative film. Rather than highlighting the struggles of the Ainu, who have long lost their territory and now their language, and have faced discrimination, Ainu Puri focuses on the strength and beauty of Shige and Motoki’s life together. Director Fukunaga Takeshi avoids exoticizing or othering the Ainu people and instead captures their journey with a natural, fluid narrative that leads to a certain conclusion. The film’s intelligent and thoughtful gaze creates intriguing shots that evoke a cinematic sense in this modern ethnographic study. (KANG Sowon)