Director: Shusuke Kaneko
Genre: Drama, Romance
Runtime: 92 minutes
Language: Japanese
IMDb Rating: 4.5/10

Plot: A Fragile Bond Amidst Teenage Turmoil

Jellyfish tells the poignant story of two high school girls, Yuki Miyashita (Mio Otani) and Kyoko Shinohara (Rumi Hanai), who, despite their contrasting personalities, form an intense and complex relationship. Their connection begins serendipitously at a local aquarium, where they find themselves mesmerized by the delicate movements of jellyfish. As their bond deepens, they navigate the challenges of self-discovery, societal expectations, and the tumultuous emotions of adolescence. The introduction of a male classmate into their lives further complicates their relationship, leading to a poignant exploration of love, jealousy, and identity. ​

Visual Style: Subtle Imagery Reflecting Emotional Undercurrents

Director Shusuke Kaneko employs a restrained visual approach, utilizing the ethereal imagery of jellyfish as a recurring motif to mirror the fragility and unpredictability of the protagonists’ relationship. The cinematography captures the nuanced emotions of the characters, with the aquarium scenes standing out as particularly symbolic, encapsulating the themes of entrapment and fluidity in their journey of self-discovery.​

Cast: Portraying the Nuances of Youthful Emotion

Mio Otani (Yuki Miyashita): Delivers a sensitive portrayal of a young woman grappling with her identity and emotions.​

Rumi Hanai (Kyoko Shinohara): Embodies the complexity of a teenager torn between societal norms and personal desires.​

Hiroki Kawata (Yuji Morimoto): Represents the external pressures and traditional expectations that influence the girls’ relationship dynamics.​

The ensemble cast effectively conveys the turbulence of adolescence, bringing authenticity to the narrative. ​

Themes: Navigating Love, Identity, and Societal Expectations

Jellyfish delves into the intricacies of teenage love and the quest for self-identity. It highlights the challenges faced by individuals who deviate from societal norms, emphasizing the internal and external conflicts that arise from such deviations. The film also explores the transient nature of relationships and the impact of external influences on personal connections.​

Reception: A Mixed Spectrum of Perspectives

The film has elicited a range of reactions from audiences and critics. While some appreciate its delicate handling of sensitive themes and the performances of the lead actresses, others critique its pacing and narrative structure. The IMDb rating stands at 4.5/10, reflecting this division in opinion. ​

The Critic’s Verdict

Jellyfish offers a contemplative look into the complexities of adolescent relationships and self-discovery. While it may not resonate with all viewers due to its deliberate pacing and nuanced storytelling, it provides a thoughtful exploration of themes that are both timeless and universally relevant.​

Rating: 6/10

A tender and introspective film that captures the essence of youthful exploration and the search for identity.

Pair With

Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013) for a more intense exploration of similar themes, or Call Me by Your Name (2017) for a poignant depiction of first love and self-discovery.

Cultural Footprint

By adapting Sarie Hinakura’s award-winning story, Jellyfish contributes to the discourse on LGBTQ+ narratives in Japanese cinema. It sheds light on the challenges faced by young individuals in expressing their identities within a conservative societal framework.​

Additional

In addition to its thematic depth, Jellyfish (2013) is notable for its origins and the collaborative efforts that brought it to fruition. The film is based on an award-winning story by 16-year-old Sarie Hinakura, whose narrative insight into adolescent experiences provided a rich foundation for the screenplay. Director Shusuke Kaneko, known for his work in genre films, took on this intimate drama, showcasing his versatility in handling diverse storytelling forms. ​

The casting process was particularly rigorous, with over two thousand applicants auditioning for the lead roles. Mio Otani and Rumi Hanai were ultimately selected, bringing authenticity and depth to their portrayals of Yuki and Kyoko, respectively. Hanai, transitioning from a background in rhythmic gymnastics and modeling to acting, embraced the challenges of the role, stating, “Naked is not a big deal if I want to be an actress. If I take off my clothes and can communicate something to the audience, I should do it.” ​

Jellyfish contributes to the discourse on LGBTQ+ narratives in Japanese cinema, shedding light on the challenges faced by young individuals in expressing their identities within a conservative societal framework. The film’s nuanced approach offers a contemplative look into the complexities of adolescent relationships and self-discovery.