Moonlight Shadow (2021) User Reviews

Did not touch my heart

[khemass · 6/10 · 11 February 2024]

I deeply love a few other Japanese movies that touched on the theme of acceptance of death, but unfortunately, I could not understand the point and did not feel that the nuances in this film create any deep meanings. I did not relate to the characters. They look bland and does not have clear personalities. On the first half that they portrayed the love between these lovers, I did not feel much depth in it, so it was hard to be emotionally involved in the film after the accident happened.

There were also scenes that I felt absolutely unnecessary, such as Hitoki waking up to some lights in his room and started dancing alone. What's the point of it? And why did he has to wear his girl friend's dress after she passed away. It felt weird to me and I just didn't understand the meaning. The cinematography was ok but it didn't help much, since there are scenes that seem to be so mundane and pointless. Maybe the director has his own points and message to be sent, but I just didn't get it. Sorry.

Like a Flowing River

[henri-76798 · 9/10 · 5 October 2021]

Moonlight Shadow is no doubt an art film, ideal for those who want and know how to watch and listen, and appreciate nuance. And clearly the film is not only accessible it is quite remote from the esotericism or even the pretentiousness that unfortunately characterizes many independent works from the Art House circuit.

Once you have decided to enter the film and let yourself be guided, it's an easy journey. The lights, the excellent cinematography, the perfect adequacy between the scenes and the soundtrack are an enchantment and contribute to a great film watching experience. It is fine then to accompany Satsuki/Nana Komatsu -whose acting is just perfect-to the end of grief, beyond mourning, when she tells us:

"I can't stay here any longer. Time passes and my feet keep moving. I can't stop the flow of time, there's nothing I can do. I'm going. One caravan ends and the next begins..."

In spite of the sadness and the darkness, Moonlight Shadow is somehow a sweet film. And in the end, in a subtle way, a bit of red color, like life that takes over, finally imposes itself on the viewer.