Watch Your Words

Your Words is an emotionally charged Japanese film directed by Naoto Kumazawa. Released in 2017, the movie follows Takashi Aoyama, a high school student preparing for his university entrance exams. Takashi is a talented writer, but struggles with writer's block and the fear of disappointing his teacher and father. His world is turned upside down when he discovers a blog post where his words have been plagiarized by a young girl named Itsuki Nakano. The two begin an unexpected friendship and as they bond over writing, they start to unravel their strained relationships with their loved ones and the importance of owning up to one's mistakes.

The central theme of the movie revolves around the power of words, both spoken and written. Takashi's passion for writing is palpable and the viewer can sense the frustration he feels as he struggles to find the right words. His anxiety is amplified when he realizes that his words have been stolen and used by someone else, but his anger soon gives way to curiosity and empathy when he meets Itsuki. The juxtaposition of the two characters' personalities, Takashi being introverted and anxious, and Itsuki being bold and extroverted, creates a dynamic and captivating relationship that the audience can't help but root for.

The film also delves into the complex relationships that we have with our parents and how that shapes us. Takashi's father is a successful novelist who is hard on his son and appears to dismiss his passion for writing. This leads Takashi to feel inadequate and unsure of himself, but his encounters with Itsuki help him to realize that writing is not about pleasing others, but about expressing oneself. Meanwhile, Itsuki's mother appears to be overbearing and overprotective, leading Itsuki to rebel and seek validation in the only way she knows how - by stealing Takashi's words. The relationships between parents and children can be fraught with tension and this film explores that in a way that is both poignant and relatable.

Your Words is also about the process of writing and the agony and ecstasy that comes with it. We see Takashi struggle with writer's block and the fear of not being good enough, but we also witness moments of sheer brilliance when he does find the right words. Likewise, Itsuki writes recklessly and without abandon, leading her to make mistakes but also take risks. Writing is both a personal and vulnerable experience, and this movie does an excellent job of capturing that.

The film's cinematography is stunning and expertly captures the beauty of Japan. From the bustling cityscape of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of the Japanese countryside, Kumazawa's direction transports the viewer to another world. The use of a subdued color palette and soft lighting adds to the film's overall serenity and introspection. The soundtrack is also noteworthy and features a mix of ambient instrumentals and upbeat tracks that complement the film's tone.

Overall, Your Words is a touching and thought-provoking film that explores the power of words and the relationships that shape us. The chemistry between Takashi and Itsuki is undeniable and their journey together is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The film's direction and cinematography are top-notch and add to the overall emotional impact of the story. If you're a fan of coming-of-age stories or stories about the creative process, then this film is definitely worth a watch.