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Hana & Alice (2004)

Posted By: Someonelse

Date: 15 Feb 2019 15:41:11

SD / DVD IMDb

Director: Shunji Iwai
Writer: Shunji Iwai
Stars: Anne Suzuki, Yû Aoi, Tomohiro Kaku

Upon entering high school, two best friends named Hana and Alice notice a boy a year older them while waiting for the train, and they both develop a pretty strong crush on him. One day while secretly following him home, Hana witnesses the boy walk right into a wall and pass out. When he wakes up, she lies and convinces him that he must have amnesia, because he doesn't remember the fact that she was his girlfriend. After this, hilarity ensues as the two girls attempt to run with the lie. Of course, complications soon arise.

IMDB | Wikipedia

Another modern masterpiece from director Shunji Iwai (Love Letter, All About Lily Chou-Chou, April Story, Fireworks, Should we See It From the Side or the Bottom) comes this tale of two life long friends. Flirting with a disinterested boy on a train Hana follows him to witness him reading and walking and inadvertently knock himself out while walking into an overhang. When he comes to, Hana convinces him that she is his girlfriend whom he has professed love, and that he must have amnesia. In order to continue her charade, she must continually lie. She acquires Alice's assistance and he inadvertently falls for her.

Hana & Alice (2004)

The beauty of Iwai's films are all the things that are not said. We gather so much subtle information about the characters (especially Alice) that, in a typical non-verbal, passive, Asian way - we are deeply drawn to her life growth and struggle. The friendship aspect of the film is more in regards to one friends outgoing nature persuading the other to pursue her dreams. This is a beautiful film, filled with brilliant camera work of obtuse angles and capturing emotionally clandestine moments. It is modestly paced, but it seems this is the only way to express this films narrative. It has Iwai's marketed female understanding signature written all over it. What a gorgeous viewing experience.
Gary W. Tooze

Not a fan of romantic movies, I have to say I fell in love with this one.
The title is actually quite self-explanatory, the movie revolves around two best friends Hana (Suzuki Anne) and Alice (Aoi Yuu).
One of the girls got a crush on one guy, got her friend to help her but then her friend also falls for the guy.
A very simple plot but the way the movie is brilliantly directed.
Some minor appearances by well-known actors like Osawa Takao and Hiroshi Abe also adds just another extra points.
After watching this, I desperately searched for another high school romance movie directed by Shunji Iwai, but haven’t found anything yet. Too bad.
All in all, watch it! It’s one of those movies that will make you go ‘awww’.
J-Drama Reviewes

Hana and Alice is primarily a teen love triangle movie but the story veers off from time to time to focus on Alice’s side story which I thought was more interesting than the main plot. What makes this movie work so well is the two main characters. The chemistry and rapport between the two girls is such a joy to watch. I enjoyed all the scenes just between the two of them.

Hana & Alice (2004)

I was more drawn to Alice’s story than Hana’s as there’s more character development for her. We get to see how family life has shaped her character over the years and why she’s so timid and lacking confidence. Her mother is out a lot and coming back with a new boyfriend, her house is one big mess and she has a somewhat cool relationship with her father whom she sees every now and then. But the girl has a talent for ballet dancing. Hana’s story is also interesting as she was completely different person when she was a child, shunning the outside world until Alice’s friendship got her out of her house which is covered in flowers. Now as a teenager she’s quite a brash person.

Hana & Alice (2004)

There are like chalk and cheese yet the friendship they share is touching. Both of the girls are utterly charming and you care for them. Anne Suzuki and Yu Aoi performances as Hana and Alice are outstanding. The character of Miyamoto though is incredibly dull and it makes you wonder just what the two girls see in him! Tomohiro Kaku doesn’t perform that well as Miyamoto as you don’t see any emotion on his face. He’s just got a blank expression for the majority of the story and it felt like he was sleepwalking in the role. It’s probably the only blemish in this fine movie.

Hana & Alice (2004)

The movie is packed with many memorable moments such the first lunch between Alice and Miyamoto, Alice’s dance in the pouring rain and at the audition, the fight on the beach between Hana and Alice, Alice holding her nostrils when she admits to lying, and the scene between Hana and Miyamoto during their high school performance. The scene with Hana and Miyamoto talking prior to Hana taking to the stage was riveting. The cinematography is simply amazing and the directing by Shunji Iwai who also shot the brilliant Swallowtail Butterfly is brilliant. The story does sag a little bit in the middle part of the movie but thankfully picks up again for the finale. It’s a well paced and compelling coming-of-age tale about friendship and unrequited love which is funny and poignant.

Hana & Alice (2004)

Overall, this movie is just so good. The story itself may not be original but the characters make the movie special. Definitely one to see. Recommended.
Sadako's Movie Shack