The United States is a country that you may not know much about. Because America is such a large country, religious, gender, and family views vary from place to place, which sometimes surprises us in Japan.
The film "A Boy's Confessionis based on the shocking true story of one young man's struggle, growth, and rediscovery of the bond between parents and their children, which was published in 2016 and was selected as a bestseller by the New York Times and received a huge response across the United States. Starring Lucas Hedges, who made his name with "Manchester by the Sea," and co-starring Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe, the film is an overwhelming human drama with a talented and splendid cast.
The film depicts the shocking events that took place at a correctional therapy session for the purpose of "curing" homosexuality, which exists in the United States, and also unravels the reasons why the main character, Jared, decided to undergo such therapy. The original title of the film, "BOY ERASED," is a simple way of saying what the film is about.
~STORY~.
Rural America. Jared is the only son of a pastor father and mother. However, when he realizes that he loves men, his parents recommend a dangerous corrective therapy program to "cure" him of his homosexuality. The program is a "no talking" one, forcing him to pretend to be someone he is not and live as if he were someone else. Jared, who has doubts about the facility, finally decides to take action. Based on the shocking "true story" that was selected as a New York Times bestseller and caused a huge sensation in the United States. Why do people always cross paths as much as they wish to be happy?
When you look at your true self and the other person as they are, the true love that no one can take away from you comes to the surface. An overwhelming human drama was born, in which a ray of hope shocks the heart.
Left: Ms. Akiko Mizoguchi, Right: Ms. Reira Okuhama
At a recent screening event, guests were Akiko Mizoguchi, author of "BL Evolution" and other books, who has written articles and papers on film, art, and ethics in queer studies, and Reira Okuhama, who has appeared at numerous film events and has a deep knowledge of music, who gave a thorough explanation of the film's appeal. We will not spoil the film for you. The following is a non-spoilerific introduction.
Mizoguchi said the film reminded him of "Milk" (09/Directed by Gus Van Sant ), since they are both distributed by the same U.S. distribution company," referring to the hit movie about the life of real politician Harvey Milk. Milk" is also based on a true story, but this is a movie that glorifies a real person. Confessions of a Young Boy" is based on the same true story, but it is shockingly true and brings reality to the viewer's attention. On the other hand, "Confessions of a Young Boy" is a fictional story, so it is not only painful, but also expresses something that anyone can accept. That's what's so wonderful about it," he said, explaining the connection to his masterpiece. He added, "This film depicts a tragedy, but it is not just sadness. It gives a sense of hope and light beyond that. In that sense, it reminded me of 'Chocolate Donuts,'" he said, noting the overlap with the masterpiece "Chocolate Donuts" (12/Directed by Travis Fine ), which created a lot of sympathy among the audience despite its difficult theme.
Mizoguchi added, "I think it is good to come to see the actors' performance battle as a chance to appreciate the film. Please watch it with many people and talk about it with them. Mr. Okuhama said, "It would be a waste to second-guess going to see it. It is a story with hope at the exit, so if you see it, I hope you will recommend it to your friends.
Musician Troye Sivan, who appears in the film, stated before the production that he wanted to be involved no matter what, and Nicole Kidman, despite being a major actress, appeared on numerous TV programs to promote the film, indicating the high level of awareness of American artists of the issues.
This story is by no means a story from across the ocean. It is not an easy story to relate to, but it is a story that is next to ours, a story that is connected to ours. I think that is the right attitude toward this film.
Text_Shinri Kobayashi
Confessions of a Boy."
Cast: Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Joel Edgerton, Xavier Dolan, Troy Sivan
Director/Screenplay: Joel Edgerton
2018/USA/115 min/ Original title BOY ERASED Universal film Distributor: Bitters End/Parco
(C)2018 UNERASED FILM, INC.
Roadshow from April 19 (Fri.) at TOHO Cinemas Chante and other locations throughout Japan!
www.boy-erased.jp
