‘Third Act’ Review: Personal Doc Is Both a Searing Historical Record and a Poignant Father-Son Narrative

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In the course of creating “Third Act,” director Tadashi Nakamura carries a significant burden of responsibility. He’s crafting a film about his father, Robert A. Nakamura, a prominent figure in American independent cinema, all while aiming to establish his own identity within the medium apart from his father’s influence. He tackles delicate themes that his family has traditionally shied away from, simultaneously working on an honest documentary that explores how circumstances mold an artist’s legacy. “Third Act” presents a challenging task for Tadashi Nakamura as it serves not only as a historical and educational piece but also as a deeply personal narrative. However, he manages to pull it off successfully.

As a descendant, I carry the weight of my grandfather’s internment during World War II – a dark chapter in American history that remains unresolved on a national scale. This period left a profound impact on his mental health, an aspect he rarely spoke about. Yet, standing before my sensitive camera, he chose to share his story. He confided in me about the self-loathing he harbored and his desperate attempts to blend in by embracing whiteness during his youth. Despite being trapped in a deep depression for much of his life, he found solace in his passion for photography and later filmmaking. It was only in the 1970s, amidst the swell of a broader civil rights movement, that he found his voice as an activist and champion for Asian American rights.

In this tale, Nakamura’s son narrates his heartfelt experiences with self-discovery during his youth. Tadashi Nakamura, the son in question, attempted to fit in by playing football and striving to embody the ideal American man. However, it was not until later that he found pride in his ancestral profession as a filmmaker. The relatable personal stories woven throughout “Third Act” resonate deeply with both its creators and viewers, allowing them to feel the raw emotions and familiar family dynamics depicted.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d like to share my thoughts on “Third Act.” Beyond being a chronicle of the U.S.’s actions towards some of its innocent citizens, this film delves deep into the world of filmmaking itself. It’s filled with conversations about the creative process, what makes a scene cinematic, and what elements are crucial enough to keep or discard. Director Nakamura doesn’t shy away from showing the artifice behind it all. He grapples with the question of whether a camera should be present during what might be one of their final family gatherings, given his father’s recent Parkinson’s diagnosis. It’s vital to immortalize my father’s legacy through this film, but doing so also takes away precious moments in our lives together.

At the heart of this family’s strong ties is Karen Ishizuka, who is both wife to Nakamura and mother to another. An acclaimed filmmaker responsible for producing every film by the elder Nakamura, she serves as the binding force in this production. She is open and straightforward, confident in her life decisions and unphased by her husband’s diagnosis. By choosing not to mourn him before his time has come, she prevents “Third Act” from becoming a somber account of a remarkable man’s life. Instead, it becomes a vibrant and touching portrayal of a family that acknowledges the good fortune of having achieved so much and of being together, despite their hardships.

In his role as a filmmaker, Tadashi Nakamura skillfully weaves together all the various aspects of this tale. By creating a movie to chronicle his father’s career and life, he effectively paints a genuine picture of America, capturing not only its troubled past but also its modern intricacies. The film “Third Act” is poised to enlighten numerous viewers about the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II. Furthermore, it promises to stir emotions as it tells a story of resilience and how some individuals transform their life’s endeavors into something greater than mere personal achievement.

In the opening moments of this cinematic journey, I jokingly tell my son we’re making this film to boost his career. Yet, as the story unfolds, I find myself questioning certain decisions in my own past works and yearning for more emotional depth instead of just historical facts. With “Third Act,” our creative partnership manages to strike that delicate balance, delivering both a captivating narrative about our careers and an intimate exploration of our souls.

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2025-01-27 11:17