You are here:

Natsume's Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor

Natsume's Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

2021

Director

Hideki Ito

Runtime

52 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film operates as a traditional genre piece that emphasizes emotional connection and cultural continuity. It successfully presents a balanced cast and intricate interpersonal relationships within its specific setting. However, the narrative does not actively engage with multi-layered issues or challenge systemic norms. Instead, it focuses on stability and transient human connections.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Natsume's Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include clear representations of same-sex relationships or non-binary gender identities. It focuses on strong friendships but does not question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Natsume's Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor portray gender?

Fair

The movie features both male and female characters in equal measure. The relationships are characterized by mutual respect and companionship, without challenging traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Natsume's Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor?

Fair

The cast primarily consists of Japanese actors, reflecting the rural Japanese setting. The story does not incorporate diverse casting or explore multiple racial backgrounds.

How does Natsume's Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film incorporates elements of Shinto folklore and yokai to explore themes of spiritual coexistence. It emphasizes traditional social harmony without critiquing religious institutions or Western influences.

Does Natsume's Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor include disability representation?

Fair

The film uses themes of physical decline and isolation to drive supernatural mysteries. It does not specifically address neurodivergence or give characters with disabilities a prominent role.

Present on Screen

  • Balanced representation of male and female characters
  • Nuanced character interactions and companionship
  • Authentic portrayal of rural Japanese culture

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks explicit LGBTQ+ representation
  • Does not subvert traditional gender roles
  • Misses opportunities to explore neurodivergence and physical disabilities

Official Synopsis

The film will be made up of two stories: "Ishi Okoshi" and "Ayashiki Raihousha." In "Ishi Okoshi," Natsume meets a small youkai called Mitsumi in a forest. Mitsumi is entrusted to wake up the divine youkai "Iwatetsu" from its deep slumber. Mitsumi weighs on Natsume's mind, so he sets out to help Mitsumi with his task. In "Ayashiki Raihousha," a mysterious visitor appears in front of Tanuma. Nearly every day, the visitor visits Tanuma, talks to him a little, and then leaves. Natsume, who knows the visitor is a youkai, worries for Tanuma, but Tanuma enjoys these exchanges with the youkai. The youkai means no harm, but Tanuma's health slowly starts to deteriorate.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.