Cast
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Shinobu Ôtake
as Nikuko-chan (voice)
Cocomi
as Kikuko (voice)
Natsuki Hanae
as Ninomiya (voice)
Ikuji Nakamura
as Sassan (voice)
Izumi Ishii
as Maria (voice)
Atsushi Yamanishi
as Zenji (voice)
Yuichi Yasoda
as Old man at the aquarium / Other characters (voice)
Matsuko Deluxe
as Darcia (voice)
Riho Yoshioka
as Miu (voice)
Hiro Shimono
as Lizard / Gecko (voice)
Rena Motomura
as Kanemoto (voice)
Koko Ueno
as Hozumi (voice)
Crew
Director
- Ayumu Watanabe
Producer
- Mitsugu Yamada
- Junya Komatsu
- Kenji Suga
- Sanma Akashiya
Reviews
Chris Sawin
_Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko_ is so simple on the surface, but is also complex and meaningful as an animated film. The ending of the film juggles tearing at your heartstrings and having everything come full circle. It feels like Kikurin is ashamed of embracing the fact that she’s becoming a woman while Nikuko is dangerously content with her gender and sexuality. They’re both lonely, but they find solace in each other’s company. _Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko_ is an animated journey that allows its audience to feel a full spectrum of emotions throughout the escapades of Nikuko and Kikurin. Its beautiful animation is only secondary to the warmth in your chest the film leaves you with once you see that last plate served at the grill house that so many townspeople frequent.
Full review: https://hubpages.com/entertainment/Fantasia-Fortune-Favors-Lady-Nikuko-Review
Aug 28, 2021
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko 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 Ayumu Watanabe 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 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 73 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Sysmäläinen, which focuses more on action than character development, Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like People in the Summer Night and Smilla's Sense of Snow explore similar territory, Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko 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: June 11, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 37m
