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Domains

Domains (2019)

Jan 24, 2019 2h 30m Drama

Aki and Naoko are childhood friends who are drifting apart as adults. Immersed in her family life, Naoko now has a husband and daughter; Aki, on the other hand, remains single and is on leave from work due to a personal crisis. The plot might sound familiar but it has never been told like this. The director Kusano Natsuka stages the interactions through an actors’ table-read and, as the lines are repeated, the scenes gradually develop into on-location conversations. Moreover, she repositions the dramatic peak of the story to the beginning: Aki has murdered Naoko’s daughter.

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Directed by Natsuka Kusano

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Natsuka Kusano
Producer
  • Takashi Echigoya

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Domains 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 Natsuka Kusano 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 2019, 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 Domains took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $0.2 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 150 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 182 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The film contains approximately 1868 individual shots.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 2019, 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

Details

  • Release Date: January 24, 2019
  • Runtime: 2h 30m
  • Budget: $150,000

Where to Watch

DocAlliance Films

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