Kagen no Tsuki

Kagen no Tsuki, also known as Last Quarter in English, is an iconic Japanese movie that debuted in 2004. The film showcases the breathtaking performances of the versatile actors Chiaki Kuriyama, Hiroki Narimiya, and the riveting appeal of the young actress, Tomoka Kurokawa. The movie is an adaptation of Ai Yazawa’s popular manga of the same name. Helmed by the masterful director Ken Nikai, you're guided through a realm of mystery and romance with supernatural elements that blend seamlessly into a flawless poetic narrative.

The plot unfolds around three primary characters; Mizuki Mochizuki played by Chiaki Kuriyama, Tomoki Anzai portrayed by Hiroki Narimiya, and Hotaru Shiraishi played by Tomoka Kurokawa. Last Quarter tells a haunting and gripping story of love and loss, where the past and the present intertwine to form an extraordinary narrative.

Chiaki Kuriyama, renowned for her acting prowess in films like Kill Bill and Battle Royale, presents the persona of a renowned pop singer, Mizuki Mochizuki. Mizuki's life changes dramatically when she discovers her boyfriend’s affair with her best friend on her 19th birthday. Crestfallen and devastated, she finds solace in the form of an enigmatic young man, Adam, whom she meets at a vintage mansion. The mansion is an estranged home in the outskirts of Tokyo, and their connection is inexplicably captivating, setting the pace for the complex web of events that the narrative unfolds into.

Meanwhile, Hiroki Narimiya skilfully portrays the role of Tomoki Anzai, Mizuki’s casual fling and an aspiring photographer, who is left in existential turmoil after her sudden disappearance. His hunt for Mizuki and the quest to unravel the mystery of her whereabouts adds an intriguing layer of suspense to the narrative.

The story takes another critical twist with the introduction of Hotaru Shiraishi, played by the young and talented Tomoka Kurokawa. Hotaru is a lonely 13-year old girl who tries to navigate through her own sorrow after her parents' separation. She comes across a beautiful doll in an old western-style house. This chance discovery leads her to dream about the same mansion where Mizuki went to meet Adam. Her struggles to understand these puzzling dreams bring her closer to Sayaka, a medium, thus connecting her path to Tomoki’s enthralling search for Mizuki.

The relationships between each character form the central theme of Kagen no Tsuki, as it dives deeper into themes of love, grief, and the dynamics of personal relationships and their repercussions. The characters' separate struggles, the secrets they bear, and the relentless pursuit of love and identity are movingly depicted.

Adding another layer to the narrative is the supernatural touch, which doesn't feel forced or jarring. Instead, the elements of fantasy and the supernatural intertwine with reality, speaking volumes about Japanese folklore and cultural subtleties regarding life and death. It discusses the idea of a "ghost moon," and the apparitions during a waning moon, a direct comparison to the English title, Last Quarter.

The filmmakers bring the story to life with the cinematic genius that Japanese cinema is known for. The beautiful cinematography paints a vivid picture of both the bustling city of Tokyo and the eeriness of the old mansion, creating a stunning backdrop for the tremendous performances. The calm, melancholic soundtrack underscores the movie's dramatic tension, eliciting strong emotions and adding depth to the film's rich narrative.

Kagen no Tsuki is more than a ghost story. It is a profound journey through emotions, relationships, and existential dilemmas that revolutionize personal perspectives on life and love. Nikai's directorial expertise, combined with the profound performances of Chiaki Kuriyama, Hiroki Narimiya, and Tomoka Kurokawa, truly shines through, making this film a must-watch for those who love deep, contemplative narratives with a touch of the supernatural.