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March Comes In Like a Lion

Name: March Comes In Like a Lion
Director: Keishi Otomo
Released: 2017
Duration: 138 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2017

Director

Keishi Otomo

Runtime

138 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

March Comes In Like a Lion is a character-driven drama that emphasizes psychological depth over broad demographic representation. It stands out for its nuanced handling of mental health and its redefinition of traditional family structures. The film focuses on internal struggles and the importance of community, rather than demographic diversity. By prioritizing emotional and psychological authenticity, it offers a sophisticated perspective on social and personal challenges.

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Category Breakdown

Does March Comes In Like a Lion have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or relationships. Instead, it focuses on the protagonist's friendships and recovery from trauma.

How does March Comes In Like a Lion portray gender?

Fair

The Kawamoto sisters play key roles in the story, providing emotional support and stability. They avoid traditional submissive roles and instead show strength through their communal bonds and emotional intelligence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is March Comes In Like a Lion?

Limited

The cast is predominantly Japanese, reflecting a culturally authentic setting. While it does not feature multiple ethnicities, it maintains cultural authenticity without altering the actors' backgrounds.

How does March Comes In Like a Lion represent religion and culture?

Good

The story emphasizes the concept of 'found family' over traditional nuclear families. It delves into the social isolation and mental health impacts of intense professional competition.

Does March Comes In Like a Lion include disability representation?

Good

The film provides a detailed look at invisible disabilities such as depression and trauma. Rei’s mental health issues are central to his identity and development.

Present on Screen

Provides a nuanced and sophisticated portrayal of invisible disabilities, particularly depression and trauma.
Challenges traditional gender roles by highlighting the emotional strength of the Kawamoto sisters.
Offers a strong exploration of 'found family' and non-traditional communal support systems.
Maintains high cultural authenticity within its specific Japanese context.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities and non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
Features minimal racial and ethnic diversity, with a predominantly homogeneous cast.
Does not address diverse religious or multi-ethnic perspectives.

Official Synopsis

Rei Kiriyama is a 17-years-old shogi (Japanese chess) player. He debuted as a professional shogi player when he was in middle school. He lives by himself in Tokyo, because his parents and younger sister died in an traffic accident when he was little. One day, Rei Kiriyama meets three sisters who are his neighbors. The three sisters are Akari Kawamoto, Hinata Kawamoto and Momo Kawamoto. This is his first meeting with someone outside of the shogi world in many years. Having meals with the Kawamoto family brings warm feelings to Rei Kiriyama. As Rei Kiriyama continues his shogi career, his interactions with his neighbors allows him to grow as a shogi player and as a person.

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