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Ben-Joe

Ben-Joe (2023)

Nov 16, 2023 2h 16m Drama

Saki Omura (Nonoka Ishikawa) is a college student who lives a seemingly peaceful life with her family. Still, behind her smiles, she is tormented by a sense of rejection and isolation. One day, she meets Rena and is fascinated by her appearance. She wishes to become thin and beautiful like Rena and be loved by everyone, but the relationship between Saki and Rena deteriorates. Social rejection and humiliation spiral her into bulimia nervosa until her thoughts are clouded by anguish. The turn of events takes Saki to a health house. During this mountain retreat, a few women with similar issues are separated from external human contact and become a part of a grotesque social experiment.

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Directed by Akira Iwamatsu

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Akira Iwamatsu

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Ben-Joe examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Akira Iwamatsu brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Ben-Joe took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 136 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 158 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 137 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2023, when this film is released:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: November 16, 2023
  • Runtime: 2h 16m

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