Cast
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Kyoko Fukada
as Momoko Ryugasaki
Anna Tsuchiya
as Ichigo Shirayuri
Hiroyuki Miyasako
as Momoko's Father
Ryoko Shinohara
as Momoko's Mother
Sadawo Abe
as Ryuji 'the Unicorn' / Doctor
Yoshinori Okada
as Baby 'The Stars Shine Bright' Owner
Eiko Koike
as Akimi
Shin Yazawa
as Miko
Yoshiyoshi Arakawa
as Grocery Store Manager
Katsuhisa Namase
as Pachinko Parlor Manager
Hirotaro Honda
as Yakuza Boss
Kirin Kiki
as Momoko's Grandmother
Yuichi Kimura
as Yakuza
Yoko Maki
as Baby's Staff
Mayuko Fukuda
as Young Momoko
Crew
Director
- Tetsuya Nakashima
Producer
- Yûji Ishida
- Satoru Ogura
- Takashi Hirano
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Kamikaze Girls represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Tetsuya Nakashima 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2004, 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 Kamikaze Girls took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1592 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2004, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Kamikaze Girls shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Sahara, which focuses more on action than character development, Kamikaze Girls offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Running with Scissors explore similar territory, Kamikaze Girls 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: May 29, 2004
- Runtime: 1h 42m
