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Taste of Emptiness

Name: Taste of Emptiness
Director: Marina Tsukada
Released: 2017
Duration: 125 min

Representation Score

7.3/10

Good

2017

Director

Marina Tsukada

Runtime

125 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Marina Tsukada’s drama explores the erosion of traditional family stability through Satoko’s internal struggles. The film shifts away from conventional depictions of harmonious family life, focusing instead on the psychological pressures faced by individuals. By making mental health a central theme, the film provides a nuanced exploration of how anxiety and eating disorders affect social dynamics. However, the film remains culturally specific, with limited representation of diverse racial backgrounds. While the relationship between Satoko and Maki hints at unconventional bonds, the film does not explicitly confirm any romantic identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Taste of Emptiness have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The relationship between Satoko and Maki remains undefined. An encounter with an older woman hints at possible non-traditional emotional bonds, but no explicit romantic identities are confirmed.

How does Taste of Emptiness portray gender?

Fair

The film focuses on the inner lives of young women and highlights the fragility of traditional social roles. It avoids clichéd portrayals of perfect domestic harmony.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Taste of Emptiness?

Fair

This Japanese production stays within a specific cultural context. It does not feature multicultural casting or diverse racial backgrounds.

How does Taste of Emptiness represent religion and culture?

Good

The story emphasizes personal experiences over collective traditions. Mental health struggles are shown to disrupt traditional family structures.

Does Taste of Emptiness include disability representation?

Good

Satoko's journey with anxiety and an eating disorder is central to the plot. She takes control as she navigates her mental health issues.

Present on Screen

Focuses on mental health as a primary narrative driver.
Examines the breakdown of traditional domestic and peer support systems.
Offers a detailed look at the inner lives of young women.

Limited or Absent

Does not provide explicit confirmation of LGBTQ+ identities or romantic orientations.
Limited representation of diverse racial backgrounds.
No broader multicultural perspectives or casting.

Official Synopsis

Satoko is a high school student. She has a caring family and close friends. Her life seems comfortable, but she has an eating disorder. Satoko's anxiety gets worse as well. Because of this, Satoko's relationship with her family and friends becomes strained. One day, Satoko meets a woman, Maki, on the street and gets close to her.

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