Path of Dreams is nothing short of stunning. An ambitious short film, its scope is epic. Director Tamara Ruppart, utilized the beauty of her Japanese locations to their fullest extent. From the opening sequence in the courtyard of a grand mountain shrine, to the precisely manicured grounds of Japanese gardens, Path of Dreams immerses the audience in a poetic Japanese age. The locations and cinematography pair well with a sophisticated and witty script by Velina Hasu Houston, that is both humorous and heartbreaking. The script weaves the poetry of Heian period poet, Ono no Komachi, throughout to excellent effect, furthering the storytelling and highlighting the relevance of 1,000 year old poetry. Airi Kido as Ono no Komachi is outstanding in her lead role, as she portrays an Ono no Komachi whose passion for poetry, strength of character, and coquettish nature, breaths life into a legendary Japanese figure. This film is a joy to watch, a true work of art, and I would recommend it for anyone who loves poetry or is a fan of the Japanese aesthetic.