This review was originally published on December 7, 2020.

One of the hardest adjustments I’ve had to make since lockdown started back in March is not being able to visit my favorite bar. No, not for the drinks, but for the hi-fi audio equipment and their vast collection of classic and rare records from all over the world. This Japanese-style “listening bar” is where I first discovered Ryuichi Sakamoto, and for that, I am ever grateful.

Thankfully, MUBI has cured my quarantine-induced hi-fi blues with the 2017 release of Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda, a documentary about the daily life and creative process of one of the industry’s most innovative and revelatory artists.

Ryuichi Sakamoto is a man who has dedicated his entire life to creating art. The documentary wonderfully sweeps through his musical career– highlighting his days as a member of the techno-pop band Yellow Magic Orchestra to his work on Alejandro Iñárritu’s The Revenant. His accomplishments are many, and those familiar with his work consider him to be one of the greatest living artists of our time. Despite the accolades, awards, and notoriety, his humbleness remains untouched.

It’s fascinating to watch how passionately Sakamoto respects sound and the concept of its use. How it’s created, how it’s used, and, semi-morbidly, how it will reflect on him when he’s gone. Sakamoto lives with throat cancer, but he doesn’t let that get in the way of consistently creating. Using field recordings of running water, forest air, and other natural sounds, he creates a purity that amazingly complements the delicateness of his piano keys. The result is a sound unlike any other, hauntingly beautiful and dynamically all-encompassing.

Thanks to MUBI, this special edition release, directed by Stephen Nomura Schible, also includes the full concert documentary Ryuichi Sakamoto: async At The Park Avenue Armory. And although my Sonos is no match compared to the “listening bar,” Sakamoto’s music transcends standard commercial speakers, making me feel like I’m back in my favorite place once again.

Distributed by MUBI, Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda is available to stream on MUBI and for purchase via Kino Lorber.