Cast
View All
Hiroshi Abe
as Kyoichirou Kaga
Yui Aragaki
as Kaori Nakahara
Meisa Kuroki
as Ami aoyama
Junpei Mizobata
as Syuhei Matsumiya
Kiichi Nakai
as Takeaki Aoyagi
Tori Matsuzaka
as Yuto Aoyagi
Rena Tanaka
as Tokiko Kanamori
Masaki Suda
as Tomoyuki Yoshinaga
Kento Yamazaki
as Tatsuya Sugino
Tokio Emoto
as Shyogo Yokota
Haruka
as Haruka Aoyagi
Tsutomu Yamazaki
as Takamasa Kaga
Takahiro Miura
as Huyuki Yajima
Gekidan Hitori
as Hajime Itokawa
Natsuko Akiyama
as Mieko Yoshinaga
Crew
Director
- Nobuhiro Doi
Writer
- Takeharu Sakurai
Producer
- Jun'ichi Shindô
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Wings of the Kirin 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 Nobuhiro Doi 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 2012, 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 The Wings of the Kirin took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 129 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 169 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 75 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2012, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Wings of the Kirin shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Little Witch, which focuses more on action than character development, The Wings of the Kirin offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like A Pinwheel Without Wind and What's Eating Gilbert Grape explore similar territory, The Wings of the Kirin stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 28, 2012
- Runtime: 2h 9m
