I went to watch the latest installment of Coventry University’s East Asian film society, the film that was on was ‘Kakera’ – ‘A piece of our life’. I didn’t know what to expect because i don’t have a big interest in asain films but i thought i’d give it a go.
My general view of the film was that it portrays different kinds of relationships, not only the stereotypical boy/girl relationships but also girl/girl relationships aswell. The story follows a young university student called Haru and shows her in many differerent situations that life throws at her. She starts off in a dead-end relationship with a character called Riyota, who is quite abusive and very blatently with another women. I feel that the film is very subtle but still puts across the point its trying to make, things like tension, characters and music all contribute to this.
Haru’s character is then introduced to Riko, a bi-sexual prosthetics artist. They meet in a cafe and get on immediately but in a slightly odd way. Riko is very confident and talkative wereas Haru is shy and reserved. As Haru and Riko’s relationship develops, Haru’s relationship with Riyota deteriorates. I found it hard to understand why Haru was with Riyota in the first place, could he be over-possesive and not let her leave or could she genuinly love him and not want to leave him?
I believe Haru is a very shy, naive and innocent character that seems to just get taken advantage of. When she finally leaves Riyota for Riko, we think that the relationship is going to be perfect, and it was to start of with. It wasn’t untill Riko started getting jealous and possesive, like Haru’s previous relationship with Riyota, in the end Haru leaves Riko. My overall thoughts came down to the contrast of possesion and freedom. Haru went from an unhappy relationship to one were she thought would be better but ended up being just as unhappy as before, therefore leaving me with the thought of, is it better being alone and independent?
I surprised how much i liked this film seeing as east asian films don’t really interest me but i will definatly be looking out for the next films.
Christy! 