Linda Linda Linda

Aroview: Guided by a rousing rock anthem, three high school seniors – and one gawky Korean exchange student – strive to have three Japanese punk classics down pat before their school’s impending music festival in this infectious ode to teen spirit.

A minimalist drama apart from the band’s unpredictable, linguistically-challenged lead singer (Bae Doona, in a dopey, scene-stealing turn), the film’s pleasures are unassuming but well in keeping with dir. Yamashita’s drowsy, slacker aesthetic. Through deadpan exchanges, a pitch-perfect tempo, and heartfelt insights into friendship and, refreshingly, the sincere bonds forged between teenaged girls, events build languidly until an ecstatic, rock-out finale that will have you humming for days after. Covered are a trio of hits by J-Punkers The Blue Hearts, while the slumberous, guitar-strung score is courtesy of Smashing Pumpkins’ James Iha.

NZ International Film Festival 2006
Adopt-a-Movie Adopted By Tim Wong

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