Heart-shaped Orange

About This Movie

Heart-shaped Orange is an intriguing 16mm student film directed by Shinichi Ushiyama, with an atmosphere that's oddly captivating. The pacing feels reflective, almost meditative at times, which allows the viewer to really sink into the mood it creates. The themes are subtle yet profound, exploring aspects of love and identity in a way that doesn’t hit you over the head but lingers in your mind. The practical effects, while not the focus, add a unique texture that’s very much in line with the experimental edge of student cinema from the early '80s. Performances are earnest, capturing a rawness that often gets polished away in bigger productions. It’s the kind of film that sticks with you in a quiet way.

Heart-shaped Orange has limited availability given its 16mm format and student film origins. It's not widely circulated, making it a rare find for collectors who appreciate early works from filmmakers before they hit the mainstream. Interest in this film is growing, particularly among those focusing on niche student films from the 1980s, but copies are still scarce, so keep an eye out at specialty screenings or collector events.