Norwegian Wood

Norwegian Wood

The film runs more than 2 hours but I was comfortable watching throughout. When I visited Japan many years ago I was aware of a country of opposites. The fiery sports and films were a contrast to the gentle bowing and beautiful tranquil paintings. The people speak in quiet voices and bow in respect to elders. The wrestling and kendo activities are a distinct opposite.
This film also had different perspectives. The cinematography was magnificent. The many scenes with the tall green grass and gurgling brooks contrasted to the inner turmoil of the characters.
Watanabe and Kizuki are best friends. Naoko is the Kizuki’s girlfriend. For some reason Kizuki commits suicide
This drastically affects Watanabe and Naoko. They become friends and even try to have a relationship.
She simply cannot cope with the death and goes into a depression requiring her to go to a residence to get a cure. Watanabe remains her good friend by visiting her and trying to comfort her. Her mental health does not allow her to leave the residence.
Watanabe meets Midori to whom he is attracted. Once again we see opposites. Midori is pert and charming with a beautiful smile. She is also in a relationship but obviously attracted to Watanabe.
The film deals with relationships. It also deals with inner emotions. Everybody is trying to deal with some problem. The characters involved are young and are trying out sex and love. WE are alsoa ware that politically Japn is in turmoil. Groups of young men and women run through the streets chanting and waving flags as they protest.
There is also the comparison with Watanabe and his room mate who is suave, handsome and a lady’s man. He thinks nothing of hurting his girlfriends with his insensitivity.
The inner tension is always in contrast to the serene countryside.
Everybody wants love but each one has some difficulty in maintaining a relationship. I found the story tender and emotional.