Seishin 0
Dr. Yamamoto is a psychiatrist, 82 years old and about to give up his practice. In the sixties, he fought for closed psychiatric institutions to open their doors; the film Seishin, also by Kazuhiro Soda (Berlinale Forum 2008), centred on his achievements in life. This serves as the jumping off point for Seishin 0: Dr. Yamamoto receives his patients for the last time, the camera watches patiently, recording the smallest movements and gestures, the worries, the silences, the sadness and the solace. After the practice has closed, the film shifts its focus to the relationship between Mr. Yamamoto and his wife, who is suffering from dementia. His loving patience remains the most striking element; it makes the film into a document of a humanism that frees itself of any trace of sentimentality as it observes shortcomings, weakness and mental decline with ever greater precision, grasping them in tandem as simply part of human existence. (Festival information, Berlinale 2020; photo: © Laboratory X, Inc.)
With subtle though effective use of cinematic means, especially of camera and montage, the film shows the impact the psychiatrist Dr. Masatomo Yamamoto has on his patients and their fear of a future without him as he approaches retirement. With a sensitive understanding of their distress and with gentle encouragement, he motivates and accompanies them as they seek to move forward. In the second part, he is shown after his retirement, spending time with his wife now with dementia. Impressive in its seeming simplicity, the film is a landmark for human dignity and agency. Compassion and humility guide the action. A moving film about the value of human agency and care for loved ones in a society motivated more by financial and social success (photo© Laboratory X, Inc.).