“It’s a funny word, Strand. A strand is part of a rope or bond, while stranded means being washed up on the shore, and being stranded is when you can’t go home.”
That ridiculous line is delivered with poise and sincerity by Emily O’Brien in Death Stranding—the first game from Hideo Kojima’s independent studio, Kojima Productions.
HIDEO KOJIMA, A VIDEO GAME AUTEUR
The film chronicles Kojima’s illustrious career in gaming but primarily focuses on the development of Death Stranding.
Hideo Kojima is often regarded as the first video game auteur, so it’s a shame that much of the film focuses on his work post-Konami rather than the series that gave him the title.
Throughout the film, there are interviews with actors and directors he has worked with in the past. Some familiar faces like Nolan North and Geoff Keighly show up, but nothing ground-breaking is revealed in the film.
The film chronicles all of the struggles that came with creating Death Stranding but fails to dive any deeper. While it is certainly commendable the work and vision Kojima has put into Death Stranding, the more controversial moments in his career are not explored.
While the development and release of Death Stranding are compelling enough, focusing an entire hour on just one small piece of this man’s incredible legacy feels like a letdown.
A MAN OF THE PEOPLE
Most of the film features Hideo Kojima working in his office and interacting with his staff. He appears in the film as a natural leader bursting with personality.