Review of "Summer Triangle" Directed by Takeru Nakazawa
Summer Triangle, is, at its heart, a story about friendship—but not in the simple black-and-white sense. It follows three friends across the arc of their lives, from the carefree adventures of childhood to the complexities of adulthood. Layered into this bond are extraordinary elements—space expeditions, time travel, and cosmic wonder—that elevate the film beyond a traditional friendship tale. What makes Summer Triangle powerful is that no matter how far the characters travel—across galaxies or through time—the gravitational pull of their friendship remains the core. It’s a film that will resonate with anyone who grew up sharing dreams, laughter, and mischief with their friends. From the innocence of childhood adventures to the heartbreak of a failed space mission, every beat feels authentic and deeply human. The emotional resonance is vivid, heartfelt, and unforgettable—making the story as moving as it is spectacular.
However, Summer Triangle isn’t just a story about friendship—it’s also a groundbreaking experiment in filmmaking. Entirely crafted with Artificial Intelligence, the film stands as a bold glimpse into the future of cinema. If AI-driven films become the norm, this one will be remembered as a pioneering milestone. At the helm, director Takeru Nakazawa delivers not only technical mastery but also narrative depth. His ability to weave the threads of childhood innocence, adult struggles, and cosmic adventure into a seamless whole proves that he’s not just using AI as a tool—he’s redefining how stories can be told through emergent technology. The direction is precise, emotionally layered, and visionary, showing Nakazawa’s remarkable command over both the possibilities of AI and the timeless art of storytelling.
Another standout element of Summer Triangle is its sound design. Beyond the technical intricacies, what truly matters is the emotional resonance—the way the soundscape cuts straight to the audience’s core. It feels both simple and sophisticated, fresh yet timeless, carrying a kind of understated elegance that elevates the film’s atmosphere. Equally impressive is the dialogue. Takeru Nakazawa develops his characters with such care that every line feels intentional, layered with meaning. The conversations aren’t just exchanges of words—they’re precise, nuanced, and rich with subtext. This mastery of dialogue proves that Nakazawa is not only a visionary director but also a gifted writer who understands how to weave emotion and depth into every sentence.
Another striking aspect of Summer Triangle is its editing. Editing an AI-generated film is no easy task—it demands both precision and creative vision—and this film achieves it flawlessly. The transitions flow seamlessly, making the viewing experience smooth and immersive.Even without the traditional use of a physical camera, the film employs angles and compositions that feel purposeful and cinematic, enhancing the narrative rather than distracting from it. The visuals are vivid, imaginative, and carefully crafted, leaving impressions that linger long after the credits roll.
At its core, the greatest strength of Summer Triangle lies in its story. This 65-minute feature unfolds in a quiet rural village, where three boys spend an unforgettable summer chasing a mystery—a UFO they believe has crashed in the nearby mountains. What begins as a childhood adventure soon becomes a transformative journey, shaping their courage, resilience, and friendship. The narrative reaches new heights when one of them, Vega, ventures into space—only to return to Earth without any grand triumphs, but with something far more profound. Reuniting with his two childhood friends after years apart, he discovers that the true meaning of the journey was never about conquest, but connection. The finale is deeply moving—arguably more stirring than even the iconic closing of The Shawshank Redemption. Summer Triangle is not just another film; it’s the kind of once-in-a-decade story destined to carve its place in cinematic history.
What’s truly fascinating is the way the story has been stitched together. The director plays with structure, jumbling timelines and events, yet the film never loses its clarity. It remains fluid, accessible, and engaging throughout. Even without invoking technical terms like mise-en-scène, the audience can easily grasp the film’s essence. The reason is simple: smooth, confident storytelling built around a subject with undeniable universal appeal.
I thoroughly enjoyed Summer Triangle. It’s the kind of film that lingers long after the credits roll, quietly replaying in your mind. At its heart, it delivers a simple yet powerful message to the world: stay true to your childhood friends. The emotional chord it strikes makes it feel deeply personal, almost as if writer-director Takeru Nakazawa poured a piece of his own life into the narrative. Given its excellence across nearly every department of filmmaking, I would confidently rate it 4 out of 5 stars—a touching, memorable work that showcases both technical brilliance and heartfelt storytelling.