Being an outsider my view of Japan is always through the colourful fluffy lens of manga and anime. I always associate Japan with warm lights, wisteria, colourful food, cheerful people. I know, like every other country, Japan isn't perfect. The heirarchal structure of society is very much similar to the class division of Britain or the caste system of India.

I am not one to judge. I'm not from the country, neither do I have any lived experience there, so I just watch and learn everyday. I just finished watching the movie 10 minutes ago and I'm still shivering.

I'm immensely appreciative of the director, the screen writer and the author for giving me a glimpse of Japan that is so rarely seen. The actors were frighteningly brilliant, embodying the characters to the bone.

The story is good, much better than I expected if I'm being honest. Tragedy doesn't check your country of origin, family background or bank balance before striking. An immense sadness lingers, on the characters, on the streets, in the interior of every home. People are people after all, a product of both nature and nurture.

Who are we but the product of our familial and societal conditioning? Are we born a monster or made one? A sad, sad question.

If you're reading this review, feel free to DM me. I'd like to hear your thoughts on cultural differences. No judgement from my side. G'night!