Nobody Knows

Country: Japan
Genre: Drama
Release Year: 2004
Type: Movie

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Nobody Knows Review
Based on a true story, Akira and his three siblings are abandoned by their mother in a small apartment with a few weeks worth of money to spend on food and necessities. As each day passes, Akira must take care of his younger siblings as they endure hardships while everyone around them hardly notices they lack a guardian. Like the title suggests, "nobody knows" what goes on around them, or rather, they don't seem to care.

Nobody Knows probably has the most depressing story ever. Just the fact that it was based on true events in Tokyo makes it all the more heartbreaking as you watch it. Especially towards the end, it gets really intense and you're just shocked at the outcome of the children. They start off as the most delightful bunch, laughing and playing with each other then transition to…well, that's for you to see for yourself. Regardless, it's hard to understand what kind of person would do this to their children but it's motivational to see how the kids are able to cope without an adult to support them.

Yagira Yuuya plays the older sibling, Akira, who takes on the task of "man of the house." His acting was so superb, it lead to his Award for Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004. Akira's siblings (Kyoko, Shigeru, and Yuki) all share the limelight with their innocence and their ability to enjoy themselves even though their mother isn't present. Kyoko, the second oldest acts as a mother figure to her two younger siblings by taking care of them. Shigeru, the youngest boy is adventurous and cheerful and finally, Yuki, the youngest girl is so sweet and adorable; you light up when you see her. Even though they're such wonderful children, each of them makes you sit at the edge of your seat out of worry or cause you to grab a tissue. This cast of children was very well chosen for this movie. There are other characters in the movies too, but it's best you watch the movie to see their relationship with the children.

Considering the story is really depressing, this movie provides a lot of drama so I'd recommend a box of tissues if you plan to watch it. In fact, it took me a couple days to get over it. It's hard to grasp the fact that a parent could abandon their children in such a cruel way. However, once you get past the emotionally heartbreaking story, you'll realize the brilliance behind the acting and the plot.

There's not that much music in this film. The music usually plays when the four children run around together outside and its very light and happy music. Other than that, this movie truly does lack musical background but there's really no need for it, as this movie succeeds without any special musical effects.

As I said, this movie was based on actual events that happened in Japan. I recommend it to everyone though because it really sheds light of the strength of young children and even on the cruelty and generosity of some adults. Young children should probably steer clear of this one though. It might be a little too much for them to handle. So, using the title again, Nobody Knows how heartbreaking this movie is until you watch it, so pick this one up as soon as you can.









Written by Chiyuffie