This Is I

New Showbiz Analysis

This Is I earns its high LGBTQ+ and gender scores by placing a transgender woman at the center of a narrative about self-actualization and public performance. Her transition and rise as Ai Haruna are treated as triumphant rather than tragic, and the presence of a supportive, trailblazing doctor reinforces a positive medical and social framework. Culturally, the film uses Osaka’s cabaret scene to challenge rigid gender norms and the cruelty of bullying, offering a localized critique that feels specific rather than generic. The setting functions as both refuge and stage, underscoring how marginalized communities carve out spaces of dignity. The overall score is pulled down by the absence of racial diversity and disability representation. The story is narrowly focused, which strengthens its core message but limits its broader inclusivity.