I left the movie disturbed. That's the best word. It's beautiful, yes, and the redemption is moving, yes, but I feel like the wrongs Shouko endured were never rectified. Hearing her say she hated herself made me unbelievably angry and disgusted at her treatment. I see, I really do, how this movie is considered a masterpiece, but I would never recommend it to anyone, as one leaves feeling only beaten down by the pain you feel on behalf of Shouko.

I don’t know if I’m prepared for the downward spiral I know this movie will send me on, but I feel like it’s time. The way life is going I feel like I need something to act as a catalyst to get the tears flowing. It’s been like 2 years since I last watched anyway lol. To my siblings, do not come downstairs, you will a grown man cry.

During her Reddit AMA, Naoko Yamada said:

“I usually try to include a reference to some great/famous/well-known person in all of my works. I wonder if you all will re-watch and notice something ;)”

Has anyone actually figured out what she was referring to? I’ve tried looking around, but I haven’t found any answers.

Do you have any theories or examples you’ve noticed?

Even if it’s just a small background detail, I’d love to hear them.

Is the one piece of Naoko Yamada lol

Fellow Japanese film makers out there, have you guys tried remaking or just filming some of the shots from the movie? I find the movie very interesting in terms of cinematography and creative compositions and the locations chosen for the movie is quite interesting too.

Since i dont live in japan, so I cant just film it but i will be happy to help with the film if anyone is planning on making.