RETSU (The Line)

Directed by Naho Kamimura

Before he knew it, the man found himself standing in a strange line. There was no beginning in sight, and no end to be found. The man was a biologist. Dreaming of one day making a historic discovery and earning worldwide acclaim, he was conducting research to determine whether apes possess intelligence. Ahead of him stood an unfamiliar businessman, a woman in a purple dress, and a young man in the same work clothes as his own. He feels as though he might know them, but he can’t quite place them. It seems to be a mutual feeling; none of them have any idea why they’re standing in this line. In a society of constant competition and comparison, how are we supposed to live? And is it even possible to escape this strange line? A story that forces us to confront our way of life in a human society where we cannot escape comparing ourselves to others.