Hana

Set against the backdrop of the 18th century in the Edo period of Japan, "Hana" or "Hana yori mo naho" as it is known in Japanese, is a beautifully crafted and poignant samurai movie that deviates from the traditional samurai film genre. Directed by renowned filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, and featuring stellar performances by Jun'ichi Okada, Rie Miyazawa, Arata Furuta, the film strikes a perfect balance between drama, action, and comedy, creatively deviating from traditional samurai revenge films typified by stylized sword fights and bloody battles.

The film centers around a young, unconventional samurai named Sozaemon Aoki, portrayed by Jun'ichi Okada. Soza, as he is often referred to, is a far cry from the stereotypical samurai warrior. He is quiet, unassuming, and more comfortable playing a board game or teaching neighborhood kids how to read and write than handling a sword or exacting revenge. Having arrived in Edo (now Tokyo), Soza is driven by the ambition to avenge his father's death, a customary samurai honor-bound duty. The man responsible for his father's untimely demise is Jubei Kanazawa, but unlike most revenge-driven samurai, Soza struggles with this expectation and displays a distinct lack of martial prowess.

Revolutionizing the typical depiction of a fierce and vengeful samurai, Soza's character radiates a gentle aura. His life is more engrossed in the affairs of his low-income community than finding the man responsible for his father's end. It's within this unassuming setting that he encounters a widow, Osae (Rie Miyazawa), and her young son, with whom he forms a deep bond. This reluctance to fulfill his duty, coupled with his deep connection with Osae, forms most of the film's narrative. It is this subtle, almost bumbling approach to the revenge narrative that provides the movie's unique charm.

The film's brilliance can be found in its exploration of complex themes like honor, duty, love, poverty, and altruism. The film's title, "Hana," which translates to "flower," signifies Soza's life which is full of kindness and innocent beauty, blooming within a conflicted samurai society that is harsh, rigid, and bloodstained. On the other hand, "yori mo naho" means "even more so", possibly alluding to Soza's struggle with his deed of revenge that is imposed on him, not by his own will but societal expectations, which he seeks to transcend.

Arata Furuta's portrayal of the friendly and comical neighbor, Shigeta, adds an amusing and lively touch to the story. His relationship with Soza not only provides comic relief but also gives us a glimpse into the humdrum and shared camaraderie of the local community. These characters' interactions are infused with mutual respect and kindness, creating a warm and engaging tapestry of life in the tenement.

Kore-eda's style reflects in the calm narrative rhythm of "Hana" while meticulously capturing the day-to-day life in Edo, creating a visually stunning masterpiece that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Rather than focusing on large-scale battles or detailed fight scenes, the film majors on the ordinary lives of the people of Edo, highlighting their unique characters and relationships. The cinematography beautifully captures both the look and feel of the era, contributing to the immersive viewing experience.

"Hana" is not a typical movie filled with action, but it is definitely an affecting period drama that narrates a touching human story. Its strength lies in captivating the audiences with its unique narrative style, deep character explorations, nuanced relationships, and masterful direction. Moreover, the performances by the cast, particularly Jun'ichi Okada, Rie Miyazawa, and Arata Furuta, breathe life into the characters, making "Hana" a must-experience cinematic endeavor.

All in all, "Hana" is a refreshing, deeply humanistic samurai film that delves into the essence of what it means to be human. It's a pleasant, off-beat journey that takes viewers to the simpler, intricate nuances of life while challenging the traditional samurai concept. The film encourages viewers to ponder upon the true meaning of honor and revenge in a samurai's life through the eyes of its conflicted yet kind-hearted protagonist, Soza. Whether you're a fan of samurai movies or just a lover of good cinema, "Hana" is a beautiful film that will surely leave a lasting impression.