Josee, the Tiger and the Fish

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is a heartwarming and eye-opening 2020 Japanese drama film, spotlighting the themes of love, dreams, and disability, directed by Kotaro Tamura. The screenplay is written by Sayaka Kuwamura, based on the short story of the same name by Seiko Tanabe. The film stars Kaya Kiyohara, Taishi Nakagawa, and Matsutera Chiemi in lead roles. It revolves around an unlikely but heartwarming relationship developed between the central characters.

The movie situates us in a quaint corner of Osaka, Japan, where we're introduced to young college student Tsuneo Suzukawa, played by Taishi Nakagawa. Tsuneo is an adventurous, ambitious, and passionate young man who dreams of studying abroad in Mexico to become an underwater archaeologist. However, his dreams remain grounded due to financial restrictions, and he works multiple part-time jobs, including working in a diving store and a Mahjong parlor to sustain himself and save up for his dreams. His life, though strenuous, carries on at a rhythmic pace, until a chance encounter flips his world upside down.

The eponymous Josee, played brilliantly by Kaya Kiyohara, is not your typical girl next door. Josee suffers from disabilities that confine her to a wheelchair and lead her to lead a very sheltered life, isolated from the world outside her home. She is taken care of by her domineering and overprotective grandmother, enacted by Matsutera Chiemi, who guards her fiercely from any external influences, limiting Josee's world to her home and her fantasy world of books and illustrations.

One day, a sudden incident sees Tsuneo rescue Josee, thus creating their first fortuitous meeting. Although initially reluctant, Tsuneo gradually begins to feel invested in Josee's well-being, leading him to accept a part-time job as her caretaker, hired by her grandmother. In getting to know Josee, he is introduced to her world of dreams and imaginations, largely influenced by the colorful worlds in her books.

Josee, otherwise reclusive and aggressively protective of her world, slowly starts opening up to Tsuneo. Seeing life outside her confined world, she experiences diverse emotions, ranging from jealousy to affection. A beautiful relationship fertilizes between Josee and Tsuneo, wherein they introduce each other to vivid dimensions of life, dreams, and reality. Their companionship tenderly underscores their respective personal growth and emotional evolution.

As Tsuneo introduces Josee to the outside world and shares his dreams with her, he experiences the profound impact of dreams and ambitions on life. Josee, on the other hand, learns about love, friendship, and companionship that surpass the boundaries drawn by her disability, sparking a healthy curiosity about the world outside her home.

The film provides a poignant representation of a 'coming of age' narrative, exploring how their bond alters their life perspectives and complicates the paths to their dreams. The characters awaken to various spheres of love, understanding, acceptance, personal growth, and the vitality of unboxing life beyond constraining barriers.

An engaging slice of life narrative, the movie generates a unique perspective on disability, subtly hinting at its societal and personal implications. Not only does it project Josee's trials and tribulations lived through her disability, but it also presents an inspiring symbol of courage, resilience, and exploring life on one's own terms.

This film incorporates phenomenal performances from the actors, with Kaya Kiyohara, in particular, making a significant impression with her delicate yet potent portrayal of Josee. Filled with heartfelt performances, emotion-evoking scenes, picturesque scenery, and a compelling story that serves multiple themes without being overwhelming, this movie is a true cinematic treat.

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish illustrates a vibrant blend of fantasy and reality, underscored by a thoughtful exploration of dreams, love, and personal growth. It is a movie that tenderly reflects the vibrant colors of life's various ins and outs and beautifully narrates the story of the hedged bird learning to fly. The movie captures the viewer with its endearing storyline, radiating joy and warmth through its elegant depiction of an uncommon tale.

Between its robust performances, unforgettable storytelling, and beautiful direction, "Josee, the Tiger and the Fish" is a commendable cinematic offering that would engage and mesmerize any lover of good cinema.