“Nobody Knows” is a heartbreakingly beautiful movie about four siblings who must fend for themselves in Tokyo after their mother abandons them. The film is as delicate as a flower, yet as powerful as a river, and captures the innocence of childhood amidst the harsh realities of poverty and neglect. It’s an emotional journey that will leave you both inspired and devastated.
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Review
In the movie “Nobody Knows,” we are taken on a heart-wrenching journey alongside four siblings who have been abandoned by their mother in a small Tokyo apartment. This film, directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, is a masterpiece in its ability to capture the raw and honest emotions of its characters.
The storyline follows the lives of Akira (Yuya Yagira), Kyoko (Ayu Kitaura), Yuki (Momoko Shimizu), and Shigeru (Hiei Kimura) as they struggle to survive on their own with little food or money. As the days pass, the situation becomes more dire and the children are forced to rely on each other for support.
The plot is based on a true story which makes it all the more heartbreaking. The movie was inspired by an incident that took place in Tokyo in 1988 where four children were left alone in an apartment for over nine months.
The child actors in this film deliver performances beyond their years. Yuya Yagira, who plays Akira, won the Best Actor award at Cannes for his portrayal of this complex character. His subtlety and depth are unmatched, making him a standout among many talented actors.
One of the most memorable scenes in “Nobody Knows” is when Akira tries to find work while pretending to be an adult. He succeeds but later gets caught and sent home by his boss. Faced with anger from his siblings and guilt from himself, he retreats into himself even more deeply than before.
The cinematography is stunning, evoking both beauty and sorrow as we see the children’s world through their eyes. The film uses natural lighting which adds to its authenticity.
The score is equally beautiful, providing moments of hope amidst the despair. It was composed by Gontiti, a Japanese duo known for their acoustic guitar-based music.
Despite its acclaim at Cannes, “Nobody Knows” wasn’t a box office hit in Japan, in part due to the perceived grimness of the subject matter. However, it has since gained a cult following and is widely recognized as one of the best Japanese movies of all time.
The filming of “Nobody Knows” took place over a period of six months. The child actors were kept isolated from each other for the most part, to simulate their characters’ physical separation and emotional detachment from each other. This created an environment that was not only emotionally challenging but physically exhausting as well.
The film’s themes, which include abandonment and survival, resonate deeply with audiences. It speaks to our own vulnerabilities as humans and shines a light on the struggle we all face in our day-to-day lives.
The dialogue is sparse but powerful. Each word carries weight and meaning in a way that only great screenwriting can achieve.
Critics have praised this film for its ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety rather than bombast. Its power lies in its ability to show us the soul-crushing reality of these children’s lives without ever feeling exploitative or manipulative.
One of the most moving parts of this film is how it reveals the resilience of children even when they are faced with unimaginable challenges. They find ways to make do with what little they have and create moments of joy amidst their suffering.
“Nobody Knows” was nominated for several awards including Best Foreign Language Film at both the Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. Yuya Yagira became the youngest winner ever at Cannes when he won Best Actor just days after his 14th birthday.
The production team behind “Nobody Knows” did an incredible job bringing this story to life. From finding child actors who could deliver such nuanced performances, to capturing Tokyo’s streets and alleys with such intimacy, every element came together seamlessly.
The special effects are understated but effective in conveying both hopelessness and hopefulness. They allow us to feel the full weight of the children’s predicament without being overly distracting.
Overall, “Nobody Knows” is a film that will stay with you long after you watch it. It’s a beautiful and devastating work of art that speaks to the strength of the human spirit even in the bleakest of circumstances.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 141
- Release : 2004-08-07
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Yuya Yagira as Akira, Ayu Kitaura as Kyoko, Hiei Kimura as Shigeru, Momoko Shimizu as Yuki, Hanae Kan as Saki
- Crew : Toshihiro Isomi as Production Design, Hirokazu Kore-eda as Screenplay, Hirokazu Kore-eda as Director, Hirokazu Kore-eda as Editor, Hirokazu Kore-eda as Producer
- Popularity 18.971
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Engine Film, c-style, Bandai Visual
- Summary : In a small Tokyo apartment, twelve-year-old Akira must care for his younger siblings after their mother leaves them and shows no sign of returning.
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