Italian
A fresh take on romance: “She taught me serendipity”
An intriguing blend of comedy and pathos
Ohku Akiko’s latest film, “She Taught Me Serendipity,” stands out in the Tokyo competition scene, comfortably fitting into her signature style of romantic drama. Known for her works that seamlessly blend comedy and pathos, Ohku has crafted a unique flavor that resonates deeply with audiences globally. Her films often feature relatable protagonists and universal themes, eliciting a heartfelt response from viewers.
A deeply personal narrative
Based on a novel by comic Fukutoku Shusuke, Ohku revealed during an interview at the Tokyo International Film Festival that this project is more autobiographical than usual. “I feel I’m telling my story,” she says. Unlike her previous films centered around twenty-something heroines, including the 2017 Tokyo audience award winner Tremble All You Want, the protagonist in “Serendipity” is a nerdy male college student named Konishi, played by Hagiwara Riku.
A different perspective with new characters
This time, Ohku introduces a male protagonist who shares the screen with two intriguing female characters. Kawai Yuumi’s Hana is a classmate of Konishi, displaying an eccentricity that makes her seem like his soulmate. On the other hand, Ito Aoi’s Sacchan is a budding musician who works with Konishi at a public bath and secretly harbors a crush on him.
“In a typical boy-meets-girl film, usually only the boy’s perspective is depicted, but I didn’t like that,” says Ohku. “I wanted to show the essences of the girls he meets and how much one is hurt by the boy.”
Emotional depth through powerful dialogue
Sacchan, an effervescent yet sensitive character, is brought to life by a lengthy monologue that Ohku crafted meticulously. “Those long lines of Sacchan’s were what first attracted me in the novel, so I wrote the script without changing the novel’s flavor,” Ohku explains. “In fact, I realized early on that I didn’t want to change it.” This attention to detail and commitment to the source material helps make “Serendipity” a formula-defying standout.
The underlying message: awareness and memory
Ohku emphasizes the film’s central message: “You have to live your life being aware of the fact that you have hurt people.” Although the novel sees Konishi eventually getting married, the future remains uncertain in the film. However, what remains clear is that Konishi will always remember how he hurt someone – a sentiment that reflects a profound aspect of human experience.
A heartfelt reception at TIFF
Following the film’s world premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival, Ohku spent around an hour signing autographs and engaging with fans. One memorable interaction was with a girl from China who expressed that the day had been “the best secret of her life.”
“She Taught Me Serendipity” offers a fresh perspective on the classic boy-meets-girl narrative, enriched with autobiographical elements and deep emotional themes. With its unique characters and heartfelt message, Ohku Akiko’s latest film is poised to touch audiences around the world. Share your thoughts on social media and stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking film.
