Not All That It Seems

Some reviews of this film really downplay its actual meaning in my opinion. This is one of those films that you really have to watch knowing some aspects of the historical context while keeping in mind the audience this film was originally aimed at.

When I first watched the film I initially agreed with some over the absolutely misogynistic premise it seemed to set. Yet I had to take a step back and ask myself who exactly this film was aimed at. I am not a Japanese person; and I am certainly not a Japanese person that has lived through war and then occupation- in which all of my traditions are suddenly being challenged due to new ideas and even new ways of living being introduced BECAUSE of losing a war. Personally, I believe the film is not aimed to stamp down on Noriko personally. It seems the actual idea of the film was to discuss the impacts new ideas bring to different people - especially different people of different generations.

Each character of the film lives differently and embraces tradition and new ideas differently. One has to look at these contrasts - especially in the context of each character's own life versus how they want Noriko to live hers.

Some may find this film slow or ask why it was even made in the first place but... I think it's a gem. At first I was disturbed and slightly annoyed by Noriko's constant smile at the beginning of the film; but seeing how her smile changes throughout the film was actually quite sad and almost disturbing. If anyone is interested in post-war Japanese films I would really give this a try. There is a constant and tangible pull for all the main characters to embrace a new way of living while still trying to hold on to tradition. This is especially seen in how the characters push Noriko to embrace tradition while not necessarily adhering to tradition themselves. Anyway, I really recommend it.

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