Easygoing Naoya works in a pet store, socializes on the gay circuit and gets his share of sex without ties, but remains unfulfilled. His dissatisfaction is eased by the prospect of a relationship when he meets sweet-natured research engineer Katsuhiro, who keeps his sexuality hidden from family and colleagues, including a female co-worker with transparent romantic designs on him. Third key element is Asako, a troubled young woman with a past history of psychiatric problems, abortions and casual sex. Deciding she wants a baby in her life, Asako identifies Katsuhiro as the ideal donor, basing her choice solely on the fatherly look in his eyes during a brief encounter at a restaurant. Katsuhiro discusses the parenthood option with Naoya, who dismisses the idea. When he learns that Katsuhiro and Asako have continued meeting, and that his lover is still reflecting on the woman's proposition, Naoya is threatened by the intrusion into their relationship, adding to his frustration over Katsuhiro's self-acceptance issues. Edit Translation
- English
- magyar / magyar nyelv
- dansk
- Norsk
- Native Title: ハッシュ!
- Also Known As:
- Screenwriter & Director: Hashiguchi Ryosuke
- Genres: Life, Drama
Cast & Credits
-
![Tanabe Seiichi in Hush! Japanese Movie (2002)]( "Tanabe Seiichi in Hush! Japanese Movie (2002)")
Tanabe Seiichi Main Role -
![Takahashi Kazuya in Hush! Japanese Movie (2002)]( "Takahashi Kazuya in Hush! Japanese Movie (2002)")
Takahashi Kazuya Main Role -
![Kataoka Reiko in Hush! Japanese Movie (2002)]( "Kataoka Reiko in Hush! Japanese Movie (2002)")
Kataoka ReikoFujikura AsakoMain Role -
![Mitsuishi Ken in Hush! Japanese Movie (2002)]( "Mitsuishi Ken in Hush! Japanese Movie (2002)")
Mitsuishi KenKurita Katsuji [Katsuhiro's brother]Support Role -
![Akino Yoko in Hush! Japanese Movie (2002)]( "Akino Yoko in Hush! Japanese Movie (2002)")
Akino YokoKurita YokoSupport Role -
![Matsunaga Daishi in Hush! Japanese Movie (2002)]( "Matsunaga Daishi in Hush! Japanese Movie (2002)")
Matsunaga Daishi[Hiro's boyfriend]Support Role
Reviews
The story is basically about the social structure of Japan, about three people seeking warmth in that society and about intimacy. While it is a serious theme, there are many comedic elements in it. Not in the usual Japanese comedy style, but just situations that turn out funny or strange and that will make you laugh because it's genuinely funny, not because it's overacted or crazy. The whole story idea is actually cute, only the ending a bit too serious for the rest of the movie.
The characters are lovable and I really like how they portrayed the relationship to the family members or how the relationship between the gay couple and Asako develops. It was all nicely paced and I enjoyed watching the movie. They have some bed scenes in it, so the movie is not for the younger audience, but it's discretely done, so it should be fine to watch it, if you know that they are in there somewhere.
I gave this movie 4* because I wasn't too fond of the ending. But if you want to see a serious film, like gays and want to learn about Japanese society, this will be your movie!
A hidden gem
The movie is not without problems (as I will elaborate bellow), but it has many qualities which make it superior to other 2000's lgbt-themed Japanese movies, and even some of the more recent ones.Story - the films deals with several issues within both the queer and heteronormative communities in modern Japanese society, such as parenthood, familial relations in general, balancing one's personal life & career, coming out and more. However, I think some of the subplots should have been cut, as the final result is both long (more than 2 hours) and somewhat incoherent at times. The roles of certain side characters (such as Naoya's mother) could have been easily transferred to other characters, too.
Acting - Nothing bad to say here. Katsuhiro and Naoya were much more believable as a couple than most of the Japanese BL couples we have seen recently. The actress who played Asako did a wonderful job too.
Would probably watch it again, even just in order to try and spot details I missed at first.
