I just saw the movie, and I'm not quite sure I get it. I enjoyed the movie though; it was a great journey. I loved the style and atmosphere and the world the director took us, but I'm pretty lost about the plot itself. Basically, what exactly was the point of the movie?
To me the film is about cartharsis, healing and accepting the loss of a loved one. This is the loss of a father for one, and the loss of a fiance for the other. Both have never come to grips with the respective loss in their lives. Itsuki has become closed off (probably starting with the end of the skating scene), and Hiroko can't find love with another (Akiba) for she continues to mourn Itsuki.
Hiroko and Itsuki exchange letters, exchanging memories about Hiroko's fiance/husband (I'm not quite sure which). I know that all through the movie Hiroko tries to move on, or that Akiba tries to make her let go of Itsuki. Subtlely coveyed, I think Hiroko finally did, on the mountain.
The marriage never took place. Itsuki dies before it occurs. The problem is that Hiroko does not try to move on, that is why she writes the first letter and continues asking details of the male Itsuki's past life. This irritates Akiba. For me Hiroko releases herself from the obssession with Itsuki after shouting on the mountain. Akiba knows this is happening...."This is the best part"...he says.
How/why did the movie end when Itsuki found out Ituski (male) was writing his name and had a secret first love with her? Basically, I enjoyed the movie but somehow missed what the movie was about. 'The love letter'--is that the picture?
In the hospital, mumbling the same words as Hiroko is shouting at the mountain, and the same as in the first letter, the female Itsuki re-discovers her feelings for her same-name male counterpart. Hiroko completes her cartharsis and releasing herself from mourning for Itsuki by sending the letters, with all the memories, back to the female Itsuki. The last element missing is the discovery that Itsuki cared for the girl with his same name. We already know she cared for him from the scene where he returns the library book to her, and from her reaction when she first learns that he has died from their old teacher. Watch as her cold finally gest the best of her as she rides home on her bicycle. She is blinking back tears. The book re-appears at the end with his drawing of her to complete the circle of understanding or a mutual love never stated.
Perhaps I should view it again a couple weeks later, after the movie sort of sank in a bit? Will breaking it down bit by bit ruin its beauty than if I were to simply get the movie by myself?
Watch it again. No, I think it remains beautiful no matter what.
Oh Lord, you gave them eyes but they cannot see...
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