You are here:

It Feels So Good

Name: It Feels So Good
Director: Haruhiko Arai
Released: 2019
Duration: 115 min

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

2019

Director

Haruhiko Arai

Runtime

115 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Haruhiko Arai’s drama focuses on intimate, character-driven realism through the lens of personal dissolution. The film finds its strength in subverting gendered expectations, giving the female lead significant influence to drive the emotional momentum of the story. However, the film remains largely within conventional demographic boundaries. It lacks queer representation and presents a culturally homogeneous setting that does not challenge traditional racial norms. Ultimately, the work functions as a nuanced character study. It explores the breakdown of social institutions like marriage, yet it stays rooted in a standard straight-centered framework.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does It Feels So Good have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The story revolves around a heterosexual reunion between Kenji and Naoko. There is no indication of queer dynamics or non-straight identities within the narrative.

How does It Feels So Good portray gender?

Fair

Naoko plays a key role in driving the plot rather than being a passive participant. She initiates the central sexual encounter, challenging traditional romantic clichés.

How racially and ethnically diverse is It Feels So Good?

Limited

Set in Akita, the film presents a localized Japanese drama. The narrative focus suggests a culturally homogeneous environment without significant racial diversity.

How does It Feels So Good represent religion and culture?

Good

The film examines the collapse of traditional pillars such as marriage and employment. It emphasizes individual desires and emotional truths over rigid societal or familial expectations.

Does It Feels So Good include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters navigating physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities within the provided context.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional romance clichés by centering the plot on female influence.
Explores nuanced themes of personal deconstruction and individual desire.
Offers a realistic look at the collapse of traditional social structures.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer dynamics.
Maintains a culturally homogeneous environment.
Does not address disability or neurodivergent perspectives.

Official Synopsis

When it rains it pours. Kenji divorced his wife, lost his job and his old squeeze Naoko is getting married back home in the north of Japan, specifically in Akita. He returns there in order to attend her wedding. Naoko surprises him by proposing that they have sex again. The one night stand is the new beginning.

How are these scores produced? →