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In This Corner of the World

Name: In This Corner of the World
Director: Sunao Katabuchi
Released: 2016
Duration: 130 min

Representation Score

6.1/10

Good

2016

PG-13

Director

Sunao Katabuchi

Runtime

130 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Sunao Katabuchi’s drama shifts focus from large-scale political events to the daily lives of ordinary people during wartime. By highlighting Suzu’s resourcefulness and resilience, the film dismantles the glorified image of the military era. The film offers a layered view of Japanese society through class and geographic diversity rather than ethnic variety. Although it does not include LGBTQ+ identities, it delves deeply into the psychological and physical hardships faced by civilians under constant pressure from state-driven conflicts.

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Category Breakdown

Does In This Corner of the World have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows the traditional marriage norms of 1940s Japan and does not include any non-straight identities.

How does In This Corner of the World portray gender?

Good

Suzu's personal journey and creative resilience are central to the story. The film highlights her role in domestic life and her significant influence over the male-dominated military perspective.

How racially and ethnically diverse is In This Corner of the World?

Fair

The cast reflects the ethnic homogeneity of wartime Japan. However, the film explores the diverse socioeconomic statuses and class differences among its characters.

How does In This Corner of the World represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques the nationalism of the time by showing how military actions affect family autonomy. It emphasizes the impact of political decisions on everyday people.

Does In This Corner of the World include disability representation?

Fair

There are no characters with named disabilities as central plot drivers. However, the film portrays the hidden costs of war, such as malnutrition and psychological trauma.

Present on Screen

Highlights the female experience and empowers Suzu through her intelligence and creativity.
Presents a nuanced view of Japanese civilian life and economic struggles.
Subtly critiques wartime nationalism by emphasizing the human cost of military authority.

Limited or Absent

Does not include representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Features an ethnically homogeneous cast due to its historical context.
Does not feature characters with specific, named disabilities as primary identity markers.

Official Synopsis

Japan, 1943, during World War II. Young Suzu leaves her village near Hiroshima to marry and live with her in-laws in Kure, a military harbor. Her creativity to overcome deprivation quickly makes her indispensable at home. Inhabited by an ancestral wisdom, Suzu impregnates the simple gestures of everyday life with poetry and beauty. The many hardships, the loss of loved ones, the frequent air raids of the enemy, nothing alters her enthusiasm…

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