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Phases of the Moon

Name: Phases of the Moon
Director: Ryuichi Hiroki
Released: 2022
Duration: 128 min

Representation Score

3.9/10

Limited

2022

Director

Ryuichi Hiroki

Runtime

128 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Phases of the Moon is a character-driven drama that prioritizes the metaphysical connections between individuals through the lens of grief and memory. The story follows a protagonist attempting to reconstruct his life after a profound domestic loss. The film utilizes fantasy and romance elements to bridge disconnected lives, yet it remains rooted in traditional interpersonal connections. The narrative structure focuses on the cyclical nature of love and loss within a standard social framework. While the genre-bending elements expand the storytelling, the work does not demonstrate a pattern of systemic disruption regarding identity politics or institutional critique. It follows a conventional trajectory centered on personal healing.

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Category Breakdown

Does Phases of the Moon have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story centers around heterosexual relationships, focusing on the protagonist's relationship with his deceased wife and a past love interest. There are no explicit queer narratives.

How does Phases of the Moon portray gender?

Fair

The film explores the emotional experiences of both male and female characters. It highlights traditional domestic roles but does not challenge traditional gender hierarchies or roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Phases of the Moon?

Fair

As a Japanese production, the film operates within a culturally specific framework. The story depicts a homogeneous social unit without evidence of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

How does Phases of the Moon represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative emphasizes familial bonds and the sanctity of memory. It upholds the importance of the family unit without actively critiquing traditional institutions.

Does Phases of the Moon include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters navigating physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities. Grief is a central theme but is not framed through disability ability to act.

Present on Screen

Explores deep emotional themes of grief, memory, and human connection.
Uses fantasy elements to expand the narrative possibilities of a romance drama.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth narratives.
Does not actively challenge traditional gender hierarchies or domestic roles.
Shows limited ethnic diversity, remaining within a homogeneous social framework.

Official Synopsis

Osanai Kei enjoys a peaceful and happy life with his wife Osanai Kozue and daughter Osanai Ruri, but his wife and daughter die in an accident. Osanai Kei's life suddenly changes. One day, a man named Misumi Akihiko visits Osanai Kei. Misumi Akihiko tells him that on the day Osanai Kozue and Osanai Ruri died, Osanai Ruri, who was a complete stranger to him, was coming to see him. Misumi Akihiko tells him about a woman named Masaki Ruri, who he once loved. These people, who don't seem related, connect under the name of love.

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