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Miko Girl

Miko Girl (2018)

Feb 03, 2018 1h 38m Comedy Drama

Shiwasu's mother left their home when Shiwasu was a little girl. Shiwasu does not understand why. She is a woman now and working at a Shinto shrine as a shrine maiden under her father who is a priest. She is listless until she finds a little boy alone on the shrine's grounds. The boy's mother shows up and retrieves her son a couple of days later. That is not the end of it however. The boy is back soon and has marks and bruises on his body. In the meantime, there was petty theft going on.

Directed by Su-yeon Gu

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Su-yeon Gu
Producer
  • Kimio Kataoka
  • Masahiro Harada

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Miko Girl 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 Su-yeon Gu 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 2018, 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 Miko Girl took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2018, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Miko Girl shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Shrill Cries of Summer, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Miko Girl offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Child of Kamiari Month and Santa Sangre explore similar territory, Miko Girl stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: February 3, 2018
  • Runtime: 1h 38m

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