Name: Nana (live-action movie)
Genre: Drama, Music, Romance
Year: 2005
Rating: Enjoyable
Nana Osaki played by Mika Nakashima is a talented vocalist who wants to create her own success after her old group disbanded. Ren Honjo the ex-boyfriend of Nana Osaki leaves the group after being offered a position in the popular band Trapnest. Although Nana and Ren had lived together and performed together on stage, their relationship is put to test as Ren departs. Having a strong will Nana peruses her dream and begins to create her own band called the Black Stonese. Nana Komatsu (Hachi), the other protagonist of the story has a contrasting personality compared to Osaki. Komatsu isn’t strong and independent, she has a habit of easily falling in love and depending on others. However one thing the two have in common are the fact they have been separated from their friends. The two meet on a train destined for Tokyo, but whats more coincidental is the fact that they end up renting the same apartment. While the Black Stones start to gather its members and perform, other problems arise especially with regards to love. Based on the shojo manga by the same name the film follows the two in their quest for happiness.
Being a shojo movie heavily centered around relationships and romance its not meant for everybody. I felt quite bored at times as the film is quite serious and probably not suited for someone seeking a comedy involving bishonens. However the main contributing factor that made this film attract my attention and surely the attention of many others is Mika Nakashima and her popular single Glamorous Sky. The song itself needs to be credited for the work that was put into it, Hyde who wrote the song, Yazawa Ai (Nana manga author) who wrote the lurics and of course Mika Nakashima who sings the cover. Although the film does have a few other good aspects such as its focus on punk rock culture as well as having very artistic flash back scenes. I guess this film isn’t for everyone but for those who have been caught in the Nana craze this is a nice viewing.
