You are here:

Still the Water

Name: Still the Water
Director: Naomi Kawase
Released: 2014
Duration: 121 min

Representation Score

4.0/10

Limited

2014

Not Rated

Director

Naomi Kawase

Runtime

121 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Naomi Kawase’s film stands out by offering a localized perspective that challenges mainstream, urbanized storytelling norms. By focusing on the Ryukyu archipelago, it presents a nuanced view of cultural identity that avoids the usual homogenization of Japanese cinema. The film excels in highlighting the resilience of women and a deep, animistic connection to nature. However, it falls short in representing LGBTQ+ identities and disabilities, sticking closely to traditional heterosexual and familial structures.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Still the Water have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. The main romantic and family storylines follow traditional heterosexual structures.

How does Still the Water portray gender?

Fair

Women play key roles as the emotional and spiritual leaders in the story. Themes of grief and ancestral ties highlight their resilience and strength.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Still the Water?

Good

Setting the story on the Amami Islands allows the film to offer a unique, localized perspective that contrasts with typical Japanese depictions. This provides a more authentic look at the region's culture and traditions.

How does Still the Water represent religion and culture?

Good

The film focuses on a spiritual connection to nature, emphasizing a cyclical sense of morality tied to the land and ancestors. It avoids rigid religious doctrines and instead highlights a more fluid, animistic worldview.

Does Still the Water include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent characters with visible or invisible disabilities that play central roles in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Offers a powerful, localized perspective centered on the Amami Islands' culture and landscape.
Highlights the emotional and spiritual leadership of women in the story.
Challenges Western-centric norms through a spiritual, animistic connection to nature and ancestry.

Limited or Absent

Lacks LGBTQ+ characters or exploration of non-straight relationships.
Does not feature prominent characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

On the Japanese island of Amami, despite lacking parental guidance, Kaito and his girlfriend Kyoko try to find their place in the world. While Kaito suffers from the absence of his father, who moved to Tokyo after his birth, Kyoko must come to grips with her mother’s terminal illness.

How are these scores produced? →