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Kita Kita

Kita Kita

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

2017

TV-PG

Director

Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Kita Kita is a sincere exploration of human vulnerability, succeeding through its empathetic portrayal of disability. By placing a Filipino narrative in a Japanese setting, the film offers a refreshing departure from Western-centric storytelling patterns. However, the film remains tied to conventional romantic comedy structures, prioritizing individual emotional arcs over the deconstruction of social hierarchies or multi-layered identity politics. Ultimately, while the film provides a nuanced look at sensory loss and cross-cultural settings, its adherence to traditional gender dynamics and conventions that assume everyone is straight limits its progressive impact.

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Category Breakdown

Does Kita Kita have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres to traditional heterosexual relationships and does not include characters with non-binary gender identities or stories that challenge conventional norms.

How does Kita Kita portray gender?

Fair

The story uses traditional romantic clichés, such as a pursuer and pursued dynamic. Although the female lead takes control of her situation, the plot relies on male persistence for her emotional growth.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Kita Kita?

Good

The film centers a Southeast Asian narrative within a Japanese setting, offering a break from Western-centric storytelling. However, the cast remains largely homogeneous within its ethnic context.

How does Kita Kita represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative adopts a secular, humanistic approach to fate and companionship, avoiding religious morality but not engaging in systemic critiques or anti-Western perspectives.

Does Kita Kita include disability representation?

Good

The plot focuses on a protagonist facing temporary blindness, exploring the psychological implications of sensory loss rather than using the condition merely as a plot device.

Present on Screen

  • Offers a nuanced, empathetic portrayal of a protagonist navigating temporary blindness.
  • Disrupts Western-centric cinematic norms by centering a Southeast Asian narrative in Japan.
  • Explores the psychological and social implications of sensory loss with character's ability to drive the story.

Limited or Absent

  • Relies on traditional 'pursuer/pursued' romantic clichés and gender hierarchies.
  • Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-binary narratives.
  • Focuses on individual emotional healing rather than systemic or institutional critiques.

Official Synopsis

Lea is a tour guide in Japan who suffered from temporary blindness and if not cured in a few weeks could be permanent. Tonyo who lives right across from Lea is persistent and determined to be her friend. They then become closer and Lea has seen the true character of Tonyo.

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