Close-Knit (彼らが本気で編むときは、, Karera ga Honki de Amu Toki wa,) is a 2017 Japanese drama film directed by Naoko Ogigami.[1] Ogigami wrote the script after a visit to the United States caused her to become more aware of LGBT issues.[2] The film follows Tomo Ogawa, an 11-year-old girl, who becomes close to her uncle's transgender girlfriend after Tomo's mother, who has been raising her alone, unexpectedly runs off and leaves Tomo behind.[3] It was screened in the Panorama section at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival.[4]

Close-Knit
Film poster
Directed byNaoko Ogigami
Written byNaoko Ogigami
StarringToma Ikuta
Kenta Kiritani
Rinka Kakihara
Rie Mimura
Eiko Koike
Mugi Kadowaki
Shūji Kashiwabara
CinematographyKōzō Shibasaki
Edited byShin'ichi Fushima
Music byYoshihide Ōtomo
Distributed bySuurkiitos
Release dates
  • 10 February 2017 (2017-02-10) (Berlin)
  • 25 February 2017 (2017-02-25) (Japan)
Running time
127 minutes
CountryJapan
LanguageJapanese

Plot edit

Tomo Ogawa is a neglected 11-year-old girl. She lives with her single and irresponsible mother in a small apartment, who abandons her when she falls in love with a new man. Whenever that happens, Tomo goes to live with her uncle, Makio. However, this time around, Makio is cohabitating with his girlfriend, Rinko, who is a transgender woman. The film portrays the drama that unfolds in an unconventional family and Tomo's acceptance of LGBT people.

Cast edit

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Ide, Wendy (12 February 2017). "'Close Knit': Berlin Review". Screen Daily. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
  2. ^ Schilling, Mark (22 February 2017). "'Close-Knit': The pride that breaks the prejudice". The Japan Times. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
  3. ^ Havis, Richard James (23 October 2017). "Film review: Close-Knit – Japanese LGBT family drama takes heart-warming look at discrimination and ignorance". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
  4. ^ "Panorama 2017 Programme Complete". Berlinale. 25 January 2017. Archived from the original on 30 January 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2017.

External links edit