What specific elements of Japanese cinema does the columnist find overly indulgent?

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The Columnist Identifies Staring at Nature Scenes as an Overly Indulgent Element in Japanese Cinema

The columnist observes that Japanese cinema can sometimes be overly indulgent, particularly when directors extend scenes by focusing on random natural scenery. This stylistic choice, where audiences are made to observe elements like clumps of trees or sandy banks for extended periods before the plot progresses, is highlighted as a specific instance of this indulgence. While the film Kokuho is praised for its beauty and effort in depicting kabuki, the columnist notes a general tendency in Japanese filmmaking that can be perceived as slow-paced due to these prolonged nature shots.
Focus on Random Natural Scenery

A recurring observation by the columnist is the tendency within Japanese cinema to feature prolonged shots of natural elements. These scenes, which can include "a clump of trees, perhaps a sandy bank or some other random Nature spot," are held on screen until the director deems it appropriate to advance the narrative. This deliberate pacing, while sometimes offering a break from the outside world, is identified as a characteristic that can lead to perceptions of indulgence.
Implication for Plot Progression

The extended focus on natural imagery directly impacts the pacing of the film's plot. The columnist implies that these scenes are not intrinsically tied to the narrative's forward momentum, but rather serve as a stylistic choice that slows down the story's progression. While the film Kokuho is acknowledged as having a "meandering" pace, this particular aspect of lingering on nature is presented as a broader stylistic tendency within Japanese filmmaking rather than an isolated incident within the reviewed movie.
A Broader Stylistic Tendency

This observation is framed not just as a critique of a single film, but as a "particular affliction of Japanese cinema." The columnist suggests that this inclination to hold shots of nature is a recurring characteristic that audiences familiar with Japanese films might recognise. The implication is that this is a stylistic choice that has become somewhat characteristic of the medium, prompting a need for the audience to "take their time" in experiencing the film, much like the "Take your time" message seen in the game Persona 5 Royal.

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What specific elements of Japanese cinema does the columnist find overly indulgent?

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