User reviews

I'm actually surprised there weren't any reviews for this film yet. It has a high score on Rotten Tomatoes.

I am not a very good writer the way other reviews are written, so I'll keep it simple: As you can gather from the trailer, this is a story about an Icelandic man who appears to be reaching a point in his life where he wants to perhaps tie up some loose ends, which included searching for his long lost love. The love affair was set in the rebellious 60s, and featured the younger Kristoffer looking for a job in London while he was still studying abroad from his Icelandic home. He picked a Japanese restaurant because of the help wanted sign outside, but as he was leaving, he saw the restaurant owners daughter and decided he really wanted to work there haha. Well, you can't blame him, Miko, played by the very attractive Koki, has wonderful charisma, and she gave him that second look as she walked away lol. Well, you can sort of guess what happens with the whole dating the boss/father's daughter behind his back, then it's discovered. So the elder Kristoffer was hoping to reconnect with his lost love.

The movie is presented in chronological order, but it jumps back and forth between the present and past. We also get insight into certain stigmatisms that Japanese society can have, and how that affects one's upbringing and destiny.

Overall, it was a very well made film. I found all the actors (the younger and elder versions) very engaging. I was thinking at first this movie was about the young man becoming a better cook at the restaurant, but it's really about the relationship between Kristoffer and Miko.

And if you're worried that there's some sort of over the top, tragic ending, I can't spoil it for you - but you don't have to worry about that.

I hope more people go out to see this film and lend their better writing skills to reviewing this film and hopefully appreciation of it!

Many of us have experienced situations in life that have left us wondering "what might have been," especially in matters of romance. And sometimes these scenarios can linger in our psyche for a lifetime, gnawing away at us and potentially leaving us with feelings of profound regret. Some of us, though, vow not to succumb to such disappointment, taking action to resolve these matters before it's too late. Such is the case of a 75-year-old Icelandic man (Egill Ólafsson) suffering from the onset of dementia during the early days of the COVID pandemic. With the clock running out, his health faltering and stringent quarantine measures being put into place, he's nevertheless desperate to learn what happened to the love of his life, a beautiful young Japanese immigrant (Koki) he met 51 years earlier while his younger self (Pálmi Kormákur) was living in London. After a brief, passionate love affair, she suddenly vanished and returned to Japan without an explanation, an event that has haunted him ever since. He decides to search for her before health and travel restrictions prevent him from doing so, an impulsive journey that takes him back to London and then on to Japan to find out what happened. To say much more would reveal too much about the secrets driving this compelling romance/mystery, suffice it to say, though, that the protagonist's tale is an engaging one, told through an absorbing story line deftly peppered with flashbacks to different points in the characters' lives. In telling this story of love and intrigue, writer-director Baltasar Kormákur presents a colorful mix of genuinely original characters in a variety of circumstances not depicted on the big screen before. Admittedly, the pacing could stand to be stepped up in a few places (an outcome that could have been accomplished with some judicious editing), and further enhancement of the back story and character development might have provided more meaningful depth to the overall narrative. However, given the captivating trail of bread crumbs that the filmmaker doles out for viewers, this heartfelt release leaves audience members continually wondering what's coming next. And, in doing so, the picture serves up a number of little-known, eye-opening cultural revelations that add spice and diversity to a genre that seldom ventures into such unfamiliar territory, an objective carried out with a tremendous sense of warmth without becoming unduly sentimental. In my view, this is the picture that the vastly overrated "Past Lives" (2023) was trying to be (and could have been), one that entertains, enlightens and educates all at the same time while providing audiences with a tale that's sure to tug at the heartstrings - and shows us how "what might have been" could have actually been brought into being.

The acting was great by the young and old actors. The pacing was really good. I was worried by the fact the movies constantly jumps between present and past, but I was able to follow without issue most of the times. The story flows very well, and I never lost interest over the 2 hours timeframe. It has a solid conclusion where a few questions are still ligering, but not major to main plotline. It felt like I just followed a old man following his footsteps in a very wholesome journey, and he went through lots of things. The soundtrack in the movie is minimal which I appreciate. I never heard icelandic before. Also, this movie inspiries you to learn a language which is great for those trying to learn a new language.

It's a search-for-lost-love romantic drama set in 1969 London, England, and March 1980 in London and Japan, with a few scenes between those dates. Kristófer (Palmi Kormakur/Egill Ólafsson) is an elderly widower in Iceland facing increasingly fragile health just as the Covid outbreak is arriving in 2020. He leaves for London to search for a Japanese woman, Miko (Koki/Yoki Narahashi), whom he met in London in 1969 while dropping out of graduate school at the London School of Economics as a frustrated political radical.

We see Kristófer's 2020 search for Miko interspersed with scenes in 1969 when he worked initially as a dishwasher in a restaurant owned by Miko's widowed father, Takahashi-san (Masahiro Motoki). The film's 1969 scenes follow Kristófer's increasing fascination with Japanese culture, and more particularly with Miko. Their relationship grows until Takahashi-san and Miko suddenly disappear. By "Touch's" end, we learn the reasons for Miko's disappearance that stretch back to World War II.

I loved this movie, partly because I've always been a hopeless romantic. But "Touch" brings together so much from cross-cultural love, the struggle to understand never-before-seen illnesses, and the power of remembering first loves. "Touch" (a recurring visual theme between lovers) perhaps has a bit too neat an ending, but it was all very satisfying. I came close to giving it a 10.

Kristofer has limited time and ventures into the world to care for some unfinished business. With a potential global pandemic and the looming threat of countries going into lockdown, he ventures back to his old stomping grounds of London to search for Miko, a woman he loves. While revisiting the places of his youth, he relives a simpler time and what led him to a love he could never forget. Following leads and reconnecting with old friends, Kristofer hopes to feel the romance and love of Miko once again.

This beautiful love story spans decades, cultures, and historical moments. Although the story seems simple initially, it has a few twists and turns as it unfolds through flashbacks. The story is told at a slow pace, in multiple languages, and does stretch a bit. The story also gives a unique perspective of a survivor of the atomic bombing of Japan. Most WWII stories usually do not share much of the aftermath that the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki experienced. The story shares more of the Japanese culture than Icelandic culture. This is a fantastic film and a unique watch for date night or anyone looking to experience multiple feelings simultaneously.

When entering the theatre I noticed the audience was almost solely boomers and seniors. I don't say this in a negative way at all. In fact, not enough modern movies are made for this demographic in my view.

I can see how this film would have strong resonance and appeal with a population that has years to look back on and consider how things may have happened in their own lives if something were done differently. Humans tend to be intrigued by the thought of their lives being altered from its current state in some way.

However, from my perspective, beyond the conceptual framework of the film, I found it to be rather dull and the delivery poor. I saw little believable connection between the two younger actors. For me , for a romance to work I need to really believe the acting. Furthermore , I wanted to at least see Kristofer become more enmeshed in the family. Sure, I get that learning to cook traditional foods is a sign of that welcome, but I didn't feel his character bond with the family beyond this other than a brief scene or two.

In conclusion, not a movie for me, but I can see how it works for some others. Several were in tears at the movies conclusion. For it to have this kind of impact on more than one person in the theatre means it must have done something well that I didn't necessarily observe myself.

Deeply touching movie, where you slowly get to intimately know several full lives and a lot of partial ones. The main characters feel honest and genuine, while you want to know more even about he supporting cast. The scenes feels right and true, without affectation.

Surprisingly, although every scene appears to have plenty of room, the movie actually cover a lot of ground. .it doesn't stall and ofren takes you in surprising directions, only to make a lot of sense after a few scenes.

At the end, you have experienced the roller-coaster of several lifetimes.

Saw this with few expectatuons, but we were engrossed, moved, laughed and cried,and loved it.

Make sure to watch this absolute delight!

The love story, which unfolds in silence, traverses different eras and places but never misleads the audience, captivating the viewer's heart with its wonderful direction (director Baltasar Kormákur) and the beauty of the camera work (cameraman Bergsteinn Björgúlfsson). Although the story is heartbreaking and at times cruel, songs play an important role in this film to prevent it from becoming too serious. The heartbreaking Icelandic folk song sung at the beginning by an older Christopher (Egill Ólafsson) becomes the central theme of the film. Next, the song by Arai-san (Tatsuya Tagawa) from the Japanese restaurant where young Christopher (Palmi Kormákur) works depicts the love affair between Christopher and Miko (Koki, the restaurant chef's daughter, the father played by Masahiro Motoki), sometimes romantic, sometimes comical and heartbreaking. Along the way, the Icelandic folk songs sung by young Christopher are wonderful, and the karaoke by Kutaragi (Masatoshi Nakamura), whom old Christopher met in Japan, actually fits the theme of the film. The film ends with a moving performance of an Icelandic folk song sung by older Christopher while holding the hand of Miko (Yoko Narahashi), whom he sees for the first time in 50 years. The music used in the film (music by Högni Egilsson) is also very beautiful, but it is rare to see a film where the characters sing so many songs (except, of course, for musical films).

"Touch" is a charming little concept of a movie, but it does have its drawbacks. Chief among them are that it is very slow to develop, is filled with inconsequential moments, features a male lead that is very lacking in charisma, and leaves too much backstory untold.

We're presented with a kind, aging Icelandic restaurateur on a mission to reunite with his first love from 50+ years earlier. Okay fine, there's a story there. There is an implied medical urgency, but we never know what it is or how serious it is. There is a deceased wife, but we know nothing of her and their life together (happy/sad?). We don't know what brought this sudden pre-Covid journey on out of the blue. He travels far (no spoilers) has a couple of slow and inconsequential meetings along the way, and we move toward a late resolution... that may or may not leave you a little bit cold.

It's a nice film, but slow... and it takes place in two different eras. Late 1960s Kristofer and Miko are lovely and sweet together, and their story is both cute and sad. Similarly, the people around them are engaging. In the 2020 timeline, the film would've benefitted from a slightly more dynamic "older" Kristofer. I found the lead actor to be unnecessarily gruff and doddering and lacking any real reason to care about him or his quest.

It's a unique story, and you might well enjoy it. I did... but it should've been better.

This is another heartwarming movie telling the eternal story of boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy meets girl again. You could also call it "Rekindled love in the age of Covid". An absolute gem. Beautiful story, great casting and acting, awesome score. Just an overall satisfying movie with real people doing real things. No superheroes, no car chases, no explosions, just real life with the two main protagonists being from different cultures and the atom bomb on Hiroshima playing a major role. Skip all the brainless drivel Hollywood serves up all Summer and enjoy this understated heart-breaking feel-good movie.

In the movie Touch, directed by Baltasar Kormákur, we follow the story of Kristófer, a man who has lost his wife, played by Egill Ólafsson. He sets out on a journey to reunite with his long-lost love, Miko, after more than five decades. The film unfolds against the backdrop of COVID-19 as Kristófer travels from Iceland to the United Kingdom and Japan, with glimpses of their past romance in 1969. This touching narrative not only delves into the complexities of love across different cultures but also explores themes of memory, loss and the passage of time.

Kormákur departs from his action-packed style to deliver this emotionally charged drama and collaborates on the script with Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson, whose novel inspired the story. The film's storytelling technique of switching between past and present builds tension effectively; however, some viewers might find these shifts confusing. While Kristófer's emotional journey is deeply moving, the film falls short in addressing his dementia subplot, which is introduced but not explored further. This gap affects the authenticity of Kristófer's character development and leaves you questioning its authenticity.

The performances in Touch are undoubtedly a highlight. Ólafsson delivers a performance as the elderly character Kristófer, portraying a blend of vulnerability and determination. Pálmi Kormákur embodies the Kristófer with an air of idealism, while Kôki brings depth to her role as Miko. Their on-screen chemistry is evident in the flashback scenes that showcase their initial bond formed over food and shared moments in a Japanese eatery. The film's culinary aspects add a nice touch, reminiscent of other food-focused movies, though it falls short of reaching the calibre of classics like Babettes Feast.

Visually Touch is captivating thanks to its cinematography, which captures the allure of its various settings. The use of colour stands out, with tones invoking nostalgia in flashbacks and cooler hues reflecting the present sombre mood. Despite some abrupt time shifts, the editing ultimately heightens the emotional stakes surrounding Kristófer's journey.

The film's soundtrack beautifully complements its themes with a melodic score that enhances emotional moments without overshadowing the story. The dialogue flows naturally overall, though some instances may feel forced when trying to convey Kristófer's emotions.

Despite its imperfections, Touch strikes a chord emotionally for those who enjoy tales of enduring love across time and distance. The movie's examination of lost connections and the longing for reconnection will resonate with a broad audience, giving it a universal appeal. However, some viewers may feel unsatisfied by the elements of Kristófer's backstory and the handling of his dementia.

In essence, Touch is a film that highlights Kormákurs's skill as a director, although it doesn't entirely avoid the challenges of its ambitious storyline. I would recommend it to those who appreciate touching dramas that delve into the complexities of love and memory. While not flawless, its emotional depth and strong acting performances make it a worthwhile viewing experience.

Super cliched and sentimental. Overpowering saccharine music. Love and loss. Clash of generations and culture...I left after a half hour. Officious condescending hotel staff. Quirky old man on a quest gets a tattoo. Rebellious first generation daughter. The movie cuts back and forth between the old man and his past self as a dishwasher in a Japanese restaurant who's infatuated with the boss's spunky daughter. That overlaid with Covid lockdown and his health issues. Because of course one gets on a plane days before lockdown. And of course he's a widower. All the boxes are checked for a Lifetime movie.

I always love movies touching my soul. This is the most important thing for me and this movie in particular, made me cry. Not just with the plot, but the substance, the music, even the colors on the screen..acting was so good both youngsters and older actors. Beautiful movie, sooo beautiful. Brava!

The time relapse between the past and now is very sweet. Young Kristopher is so cute, I can sympathize with him. Also the Japanese lover 🙄 even me had that pain when he lost her. Losing someone is heavy for the soul and the unknowning is heart-wrenching.. felt everything Kristopher felt in the movie..every little detail. Must see movie.

It's only July 2024 and this is hands down the best film of the year so far. What a dream it would be to see this film be nominated at next year's Oscars for the filmmakers and cast. Hopefully this film will be remembered in some other award races if not the Oscars. The story telling is gentle and beguiling but never slow. There is no wasted moments as Kristofer (Egill Ólafsson) now worried about memory problems after his wife has since passed and living a lonely life in Iceland. He takes the audience on a journey through the start of pandemic through London and Japan (and through extended flashbacks) as he searches for a true love who abandoned him half a century ago. The actors are well chosen for the roles including the actors playing the young Kristofer (Pálmi Kormákur) and his love interest Miko (Kôki). All the emotions and reactions seem natural and their empathy fully earned. A restrained but pivotal role is played by Masahiro Motoki as Miko's father and Kristofer's mentor in Japanese cuisine. Audiences may remember Motoki from the Oscar winning film "Departures". The best films often have stories we wish will never end. We want to know more and this film is no exception. But the ending here is fully satisfying. It's a quietly intense and yet still emotional ending. How do we overcome loss and find the courage to resolve our grief. This story shows how one man finds the will in what initially feels like an impossible situation.

I've never written a review before but for this movie I had to so that people can know that beautiful cinema is still alive. Intriguing movie from beginning to end. I liked that transition of events from beginning to end were masterfully told. A true love story that captivates the viewers. Get a box of tissues because you will need for wiping tears. Camera angles, flow of events and dialog were all a piece of art in my view. The music was also wonderful. And the cherry on top is the ending. If you are planning to view a beautiful movie with someone special then I strongly recommend watching this delightful movie.

Anyone else think that Egill Ólafsson turned slowly into Lord Olivier in this drama? He's "Kristófer" - an elderly Icelander whom, on the cusp of global lockdown, flies to London to retrace some steps from his earlier life in the 1970s. Then he (Palmi Kormákur) was a disillusioned student at the LSE who jacks it all in to go and work in a small Japanese restaurant in Soho. He's an handsome and engaging lad who soon fits into the family infrastructure of the place, willing to learn their language and how to prepare some of their speciality dishes - and also willing to befriend daughter "Miko" (Kôki). As the story develops, we see a burgeoning love story set against a backdrop of a family that hastily left their homeland after the end of the war, and that have some fairly traumatic links with the events that led, ultimately, to it's conclusion. The production knits some early seventies music into a storyline that also suggests "Kristófer" hasn't too much time left on his own clock as he uses virtually no information to see if he can track down his former love. I suppose the romantic elements to this are a little on the predictable side, but director Baltasar Kormâkur manages to elicit from both versions of the man, from the impressive young Kôki and from the emotionally conflicted father "Takahashi" (Masahiro Motoki) performances that are mischievous and celebratory at times whilst also touching and quite emotionally charged. The theme also reminds us that many innocent citizens born and as yet unborn were affected by the actions of 1945 than continued to haunt generations long afterwards. I didn't quite love the ending, but this is quite a subtle powerfully story that's worth a watch.

It's a brilliant story, very well acted, of First Love. A first love that cuts across cultural barriers, and even class barriers, deals with difficult historical and societal issues - all in a way that ultimately leaves you feeling uplifted. WHAT A SUCCESS!

It is difficult to transport audiences into forgetting their watching a film, and at times it does that, it's truly captivating. The "flashback" actors rightfully steal the show, deliver awkwardness, innocence and tenderness beautifully. It is not some "Hollywood" romance, it is far more normal and therefore realistic. It's not perfect, it's not glamorous, it's just perfect for them at that time and that moment of their lives.

Beautifully shot, not overly complicated, it whisks you back in time.

It's also a great reminder for those of advancing years not to leave unresolved matters for too long, and that they will remain unresolved unless you do something.

A great film.

I love the casting, this movie is simply speechless... The madness for love in this movie made me love more... As I said I don't know what to write this movie would definitely linger round in my mind every single day until I die... Maybe I'm too related to this story... I just always wondered if the person in my past would come searching for me, i expected but I'm immature in that age when I'm 25 i slowly started understanding men in my life never had that love for me... It's not negative but I just convinced myself by saying the truth... Maybe it's always one sided... Whatever my life is I'm happy with it.. no regrets...

Where to start ? A foreign film, Icelandic with that language and Japanese and sub titles. If it is getting a moderate release here in the States it is worth a try since it is not a fantasy or action movie. The story in the beginning is pleasant and interesting to watch and the actors seem genuine , real. And you will get wrapped up in the characters and the story will pull you along . . . Until . . . You get to the last forty minutes of a two plus hour movie where it becomes 'sadly' predictable and, as others here have noted , cliched. It ends all too predictably , the loose ends all tied up in an OVERLY maudlin sentimental way. I would recommend the movie to you if you like a Hallmark sort of movie, otherwise I think you will be ,as I was, disappointed.

Completely will written. Great story ,45% of people in the world can relate to this story in so many ways. Young love ,Torn apart to marry someone you also loved but that the first love is always going to be in your heart. There scene in movie that shows his love for the first when in fact his wife knew the whole time. They never wanted children was hinted in the therapist office. He just never stopped .The first love story that came out of covid. Also even without the mri the Dr knew he little time left and told him. Also the history around the story . Himashima,Not going to tell you the end so enjoy.

Something odd is clearly going on. Touch is an utterly superb, beautifully made film, which stands out on another level to anything else my wife and I have seen for years. It is a jewel of a film deserving the widest of audiences. Yet it has simply disappeared without trace from London cinemas. What on earth is going on? I am beginning to strongly suspect that (horror of horrors) an American remake is being produced, and it suits certain interests for the original film to have quietly disappeared from the public radar!! Or is it in the sights of big streaming platforms who would be happy to see the shortest cinema run possible. All I can say is that this is a truly remarkable film, and I mean this original Icelandic film, which was a magnificent watch in cinema - I only wish a much wider audience was getting the chance to see it. Congratulations to Baltasar Kormakur. All the superlatives are deserved - a magnificent film!