95 and 6 to Go

A haunting, home-movie-style documentary by Kimi Takesue about her nonagenarian grandfather Tom, 95 and 6 to Go initially presents the seemingly resilient, quick-witted Tom exercising with enviable stamina, and then puttering around his Honolulu home, clipping coupons, and looking at family photographs. Tom is a realist of few words, a survivor many times over who knows that little can be done to mitigate loss. Takesue, unseen behind the camera, asks him questions about his life, as well as his opinion of a screenplay she’s written—one with obvious echoes of his personal experiences. Tom speaks soberly about the fiery death of his mother when he was two, his childhood loneliness, the love and companionship he enjoyed with his late wife, and the death of a daughter who was in her 30s. "You grieve but you have to go forward," he says, somewhat unconvincingly. About Takesue’s script he is touchingly creative, advising her on her story’s ending, on a title, and even music (hearing Tom sing "The Way You Look Tonight" is a real treat). Takesue’s personal video-journal film offers profound testimony about the ways of the world, while introducing viewers to a modest gentleman who knows the score. Extras include audio commentary by Takesue and a stills gallery. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)