1) The director thinks that the old concept of "treasure hunting" is very strange, especially "traveling to the new world to find the legendary treasure". So they combined this retro concept with modern settings. This is a modern version of the narrative, because the difference is that there is no mystical folklore passed on by word of mouth, and there are no secrets in modern society. This film is a bit similar to urban legends, and has a certain fable.
2) The director stated that the theme of the film is loneliness, isolation and self-realization-and these are universal.
Everything Kumiko experiences in the film determines her final ending.
3) Reporter: Why does Kumiko communicate so little with other people?
Screenwriter: The setting of the character’s living space and how she interacts with it is enough to explain what kind of person she is, and she does not need to confide in other characters. This way of expression is more natural.
4) Reporter: Where did your interest in the motif of loneliness come from?
Screenwriter: How people deal with the two concepts of "independence" and "loneliness" is very interesting. Someone can be strong, some can be ridiculous, sometimes they close themselves, and sometimes they open themselves.
Director: We tried to control the movie between humor and melancholy.
Screenwriter: It's a little sad, a little weird, and a little funny.
------The dividing line of my own thoughts------------
It is obvious that the end of the film is a fantasy. Similar to the YY of the little match girl before her death. The fantasy clips are very colorful, the music and the pillow shots are properly matched, and the fairy tale feels strong. Kumiko's ruddy face and the appearance of Mr. Rabbit are all very obvious hints. The ending song of a nursery rhyme is also just right.
Since it possesses allegorical qualities, the concept of "treasure" is likely to be a metaphor and an imaginary sign. For example, it is understood as: actually refers to all life goals that are not recognized by mainstream values.
Rinko Kikuchi’s performance was of course also a highlight. The nervous eyes and subtle slowness of reaction were very interesting and made a lot of laughter.
The sense of loneliness in Japan is good, and I believe viewers who have experience living alone in big cities will feel the same.
Going to a Chinese restaurant, in addition to being funny, it also subtly satirizes the view of the East under the West-centrism. Whether you are Japanese or Chinese, in the eyes of Westerners, it is "otherness" and "exotic".
Three views are too upright, not suitable for watching this film.
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