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Something Like It

Name: Something Like It
Director: Yoshimitsu Morita
Released: 1981
Duration: 103 min

Representation Score

4.9/10

Fair

1981

Director

Yoshimitsu Morita

Runtime

103 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Yoshimitsu Morita’s film is a postmodern character study that emphasizes individual autonomy over traditional social structures. It successfully challenges gender hierarchies by highlighting female experiences and autonomy within a transient urban landscape. However, the film remains demographically narrow. The absence of LGBTQ+ representation and the homogeneous racial makeup reflect the specific socio-cultural context of 1980s Japan without offering broader diversity. Ultimately, the film’s strength lies in its intellectual disruption of social norms rather than its demographic variety. It prioritizes a nuanced, situational view of human connection over traditional stability.

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Category Breakdown

Does Something Like It have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on heterosexual relationships and urban interactions. It does not explicitly depict queer identities or same-sex intimacy but avoids strict assumptions about straight relationships.

How does Something Like It portray gender?

Good

Women are shown with autonomy and ability to act, focusing on their personal journeys rather than traditional male-driven narratives. They navigate relationships independently, avoiding passive roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Something Like It?

Limited

The film reflects a culturally uniform 1980s Japan. Though there is no evidence of whitewashing, the cast lacks diverse ethnic representation.

How does Something Like It represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques traditional social institutions and the cohesive family unit. It highlights moral relativism and urban alienation as responses to modern fragmentation.

Does Something Like It include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities. Characters are not used as plot devices or subjected to mockery regarding disability.

Present on Screen

Highlights female subjectivity and autonomy, challenging traditional gender hierarchies.
Offers a sophisticated critique of traditional social and family institutions.
Critiques traditional social institutions and highlights moral relativism.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships.
Features a culturally homogeneous environment with minimal ethnic diversity.
Does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Life seems to be good for Shintoto, an up-and-coming rakugo artist who has just had his first sexual experience at a local brothel. Lucky for him, he gets to date the beautiful sex worker he meets that day, and a younger high school rakugo aficionado is also vying for his attention. But for clumsy, heart-on-his-sleeve Shintoto, life doesn’t stay rosy for long.

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