"Nobody Knows", directed by Hirozaku Koreeda, is a compelling film that will grab the viewer's attention from the start. The film, based on a real incident in Japan is one of the saddest accounts in memory about children's abuse by uncaring parents.
If you haven't seen the movie, maybe you would like to stop reading.
When we first meet this family, Keiko, the mother, and Akira, are seen bringing their things to the tiny apartment they have rented. Little by little we see two young children emerge from two huge suitcases, at the risk of suffocating, and another one that is waiting at a train station. This mother and the four children seem to be happy being together. Since the lease is for only two persons, the other kids must be quiet, as they don't want to bring undue attention from the landlord and his wife, who also live in the complex.
We realize Keiko's love for her children comes second to her life as a woman of loose morals; she may be a prostitute, although it's left to the viewer's imagination what she does after she leaves the apartment. Akira, being the oldest, is in charge of the other three. It becomes clear these four children are the product of different fathers. Yet, all four function as though they have the same set of parents.
Keiko, who appears to be just another kid, thinks nothing in leaving these four to fend for themselves, while she is going out of town with her present beau. Keiko is the epitome of cruelty. How can a mother even dream of abandoning these young kids and expect Akira to assume full responsibility for the situation?
Akira, is a study of maturity beyond belief. Only in that type of society, someone like this boy can exist. Akira is seen in his daily routine going to the store and cook for the siblings and the mother, while she's still around. Akira realizes he has a responsibility, as he never resorts to stealing, even when he becomes friendly with some bad kids from his area. Akira realizes he is the head of the household and must protect those that have been placed under his care, something the real mother has neglected to do.
The film is a document about children's abuse and cruelty. Mr. Koreeda has been blessed with a cast that do miracles for him. Yuya Yagira, does an incredible job as Akira. All the children appear to be non professionals, but under the guidance of the director, they make us believe they are the abandoned children living alone and eking out a living for themselves.
If you haven't seen the movie, maybe you would like to stop reading.
When we first meet this family, Keiko, the mother, and Akira, are seen bringing their things to the tiny apartment they have rented. Little by little we see two young children emerge from two huge suitcases, at the risk of suffocating, and another one that is waiting at a train station. This mother and the four children seem to be happy being together. Since the lease is for only two persons, the other kids must be quiet, as they don't want to bring undue attention from the landlord and his wife, who also live in the complex.
We realize Keiko's love for her children comes second to her life as a woman of loose morals; she may be a prostitute, although it's left to the viewer's imagination what she does after she leaves the apartment. Akira, being the oldest, is in charge of the other three. It becomes clear these four children are the product of different fathers. Yet, all four function as though they have the same set of parents.
Keiko, who appears to be just another kid, thinks nothing in leaving these four to fend for themselves, while she is going out of town with her present beau. Keiko is the epitome of cruelty. How can a mother even dream of abandoning these young kids and expect Akira to assume full responsibility for the situation?
Akira, is a study of maturity beyond belief. Only in that type of society, someone like this boy can exist. Akira is seen in his daily routine going to the store and cook for the siblings and the mother, while she's still around. Akira realizes he has a responsibility, as he never resorts to stealing, even when he becomes friendly with some bad kids from his area. Akira realizes he is the head of the household and must protect those that have been placed under his care, something the real mother has neglected to do.
The film is a document about children's abuse and cruelty. Mr. Koreeda has been blessed with a cast that do miracles for him. Yuya Yagira, does an incredible job as Akira. All the children appear to be non professionals, but under the guidance of the director, they make us believe they are the abandoned children living alone and eking out a living for themselves.