The essence of these films is deeply similar. They showcase the difficulty and desperation of financial struggle, contrasted by the hope of found family and deep human connection. Both depict people turning to crime out of desperation, with varying motivations, but it brings a deeper sense of humanity when the characters themselves don’t wilfully desire to make money through crime, but choose it as a last resort.
While both films have their heavy moments, Night Flower is not as dark as Orokamono no Mibun (Baka’s Identity). Night Flower’s plot is female-centred while Orokamono no Mibun’s plot is male-centred.
While both films have their heavy moments, Night Flower is not as dark as Orokamono no Mibun (Baka’s Identity). Night Flower’s plot is female-centred while Orokamono no Mibun’s plot is male-centred.
Both are crime-thrillers with nuance and humanity. Kuchinai Sakura’s pace feels comparatively more slow and drawn out, while Orokamono no Mibun is more blatant in its brutality.
However, the major reason I’d recommend viewers of one to watch the other is the human desire to cling desperately to hope. Both of these films are fairly bleak, with Kuchinai Sakura’s understated bleakness in contrast to that of the heavy and blunt bleakness in Orokamono no Mibun.
However, the major reason I’d recommend viewers of one to watch the other is the human desire to cling desperately to hope. Both of these films are fairly bleak, with Kuchinai Sakura’s understated bleakness in contrast to that of the heavy and blunt bleakness in Orokamono no Mibun.
Both of these films have a commonality of showcasing the harsh, at times brutal realities of life, yet are not completely devoid of hope. While Better Days takes more of a romance angle, Orokamono no Mibun takes the found family angle. Both showcase humanity at its best and worst, in ways that feel raw and will leave viewers feeling reflective.
