Shiki-Jitsu

Shiki-Jitsu, meaning "ritual day" or "ceremonial day" in Japanese, is a movie directed by Hideaki Anno and is based on the novel Touhimu (Flee-Dream) by Ayako Fujitani. The film, released in 2000, has an eclectic cast with the enigmatic Shunji Iwai, the beautiful and talented Ayako Fujitani, and actor Jun Murakami. This film possesses a unique blend of surrealism, color, and narrative that is an exploration of the human condition.

At the heart of Shiki-Jitsu is the concept of isolation, emotional pain, longing, and the search for personal significance and connection. Throughout the film, we witness the quiet solitude of the two main characters as the powerful and emotionally evocative narrative unfolds.

The story begins with an anime filmmaker who finds himself creatively drained and is returning to his childhood town for inspiration. Here he encounters a mysterious woman, an actress who left the hustle and bustle of city life behind once her career failed to take off. Now living in a world of her own making, she finds herself stuck in an endless loop of days, each depicted as if it were her birthday. There is an intriguing window into the personal turmoil and insecurities that lay beneath the surface of this enigmatic woman.

Shunji Iwai convincingly plays the character of the disillusioned filmmaker whose once thriving career is now in tatters. His calm demeanor subtly hides the growing desperation and creative struggles beneath. Ayako Fujitani's character is charmingly complex and enigmatic. The layered performance given by Fujitani reveals the fragility of a woman desperately clinging onto a world created from broken dreams and struggles with mental health. Both characters find in each other a kindred spirit, a mutual understanding of isolation and despair wrapped in a shared world of fanciful imagination.

The character dynamics in Shiki-Jitsu serve to further the exploration themes of isolation, emotional struggle, and the pursuit of dreams. The narrative employs a repeated motif of the train, effectively symbolizing the relentless march of time, change, and the cyclical nature of life.

Visually, Shiki-Jitsu is a fascinating spectacle. Anno's direction is distinct, with extravagant color schemes and complex visual imagery. The framing and camera angles create a deep and moody atmosphere, contributing to the sense of isolation and disconnection between the characters and the world around them. The imaginative projections and scene transitions in the film perfectly echo the state of the characters' minds, offering insight into their twisted realities and fantasies.

The film's music, composed by Shiro Sagisu, further amplifies the mood with atmospheric soundscapes that perfectly complement the visual style of the film. The melody hauntingly captures the surreal ambiance of the unfolding narrative, beautifully delineating the melancholy, loneliness, and the eccentricity that embody the spirit of the movie.

Shiki-Jitsu is often regarded as a bridge between Anno’s work with Neon Genesis Evangelion and his later live-action work. It represents a major shift in Anno's directorial style, transitioning from the anime medium to live-action films of a deeply psychological and introspective nature. It marks a significant move in his career, being his first live-action film that isn’t directly tied to the Evangelion franchise.

The film garnered a lot of praise and attention for its daring exploration of complex themes and the ensuing emotional turmoil. It also won the Artistic Award at the 25th Tokyo International Film Festival, a testament to its rich visual narrative and emotional depth.

In conclusion, Shiki-Jitsu is a hauntingly beautiful film that presents a profound observation of the notions of reality, fantasy, isolation, and the human desire for connection. It's saturated with deep symbolism and complex psychological undertones that challenge us to question our understanding of personal identity and emotional stability. For fans of emotionally charged cinema and anyone interested in the exploration of sensitive themes, this film promises to be an exceptional and rewarding watch.