I stumbled upon "37 Seconds" (aka "37 sekanzu") on Netflix. I hadn't even heard about the movie prior to finding it on Netflix, and it being an Asian movie that I hadn't already seen was actually more than sufficient to make me want to watch it. But the movie's synopsis most definitely also won me over.
And I just finished the movie now. And color me impressed. This movie was phenomenal in many ways.
First and foremost, the storyline and plot was just so well-written and directed by Hikari. It is the type of story that sucks you in and takes you along on a very emotional and powerful journey through the life of a woman with cerebral palsy, whom is exploring her own independence and sexuality. But what is really great about "37 Seconds" is that the movie is told from the woman's point of view. And director Hikari definitely was good at keeping the audience enthralled and entranced with the storyline.
And the performances in the movie were simply spectacular. It is not without good reason that newcomer actress Mei Kayama won an award for this movie. I was really amazed with her talent and her passion that just radiated from her on the screen. She has so much charisma and natural talent. I am definitely looking forward to seeing more of her work in the future. But also the actress that played the mom put on a very memorable performance.
It was really good that director Hikari didn't succumb to making the movie about sympathy for the main character, which would have been the easy route to take for a movie such as this. But instead, the movie is about the life choices, the hardships of her disability and relationship with her mom, and of her coming of age and finding herself and her sexuality. This was, essentially, a movie about growth and independence, that transcends disability or not.
"37 Seconds" is a movie that is every bit driven by character development and growth as it is driven by its powerful storyline. And that is a very reward experience on the screen, because it makes for some very wholehearted entertainment.
Even if you are not keen on watching Japanese movies, then you should definitely take the time to sit down and watch "37 Seconds", because it is a very moving story, and it is a movie that will stick with you for a long, long time after the movie has ended.
I am rating "37 Seconds" a sure ten out of ten stars. This is a very memorable movie in my opinion, and definitely one of the brighter moments in Japanese cinema.
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