In it, we see a story told entirely through sign language from actors and crew belonging to and familiar with the community. This was actually the first project from the director where they utilized sound, and they did so very well. For instance, the audible sounds that deaf individuals may let off while talking to each other. I know that this is a subject that's brought up a lot in the deaf community in reference to interactions with hearing people. The film also utilized scene-fitting speechless ambient music in the background which definitely helped me, as a hearing individual, focus on the film better than if it was pure silence.
In it, we see the development of concerns about coming out after a bad first coming out experience, especially in the context of how small the deaf community is in some areas. We see a diversity of rounded LGBTQ rep through our main and support characters (bisexual, gay, lesbian, trans ftm, and trans mtf) as they create a safe haven for each other through the sharing of their stories and understanding. In fact, Ayumi even explicitly draws a diagram showing how gender, sex, and sexuality are all independent spectrums of identity.
The acting was also great. Normally, I will tear up upon hearing someone's voice cracking. But Hana's facial expressions were so detailed and spot-on that I found myself tearing up even without the audio input that normally contributes. However, while I was completely sold on the characters as individuals, I didn't think that the 2 FLs had romantic chemistry. They felt more like really close friends. They lacked the glances between each other that would have really sold their emotional investment to each other.
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reality in a way
You rarely come across an actual good GL show/series honestly but this one was really good. Hana coming out to her parents was the hardest part watching because the reactions seem a little delayed but it still freaking hurts when her mother signs it's disgusting and she needs to leave:(((( but I'm glad she already had her own place to live and chose to be happy instead in a unhappy marriage. I forgot the bar owner and her workers but the stories that was shared in the bar scene made me cry a lot lol (I'm a bit sensitive) but it is kind of the reality in a way. I must the guy was lucky because his mother happened to be one of those parents who don't really understand what exactly it means being trans but still want the best for their kids and wish their kids the best and tell them to be happy. Anyways -- it is a feel good but also a sad movie. It's also quick honestly. Also it is a happy ending which is nice.Was this review helpful to you?
Entertainment value very low, educational and representation value high
This movie feels like an educational movie to support HBTQ+ people with disabilities. The entire movie is in sign language and is really well done which makes it a bit heard to watch for those who are used to using their hearing, the surrounding sounds stick out in an almost painful way. the story itself is kind of sad and sweet at the same time and they do a pretty okay job showing diversity as well as these people as competent people worthy of love as well as a variety of responses people may get from society and loved ones all good and important issues pretty well done but does not really grab the average viewers attention. I do however hope that it is shown to many teens and that it can educate people as well as give hope to people struggling with their sexuality and/or living in a closed environment urging them to find a safe place with loving people. So all in all I am happy this exists but not much more and I know the entertainment business should be able to do this better, but seeing how hard it is to find this type of representation I guess I kind of get the feel of Ill take what I can get...Was this review helpful to you?
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Always looking on the bright side of life
UNPOPULAR OPINIONAs far as I can understand, I am supposed to love this movie because it was made by deaf cast and crew. And, while I do admire them for the effort, I do not like the movie: it is as full of righteous feelings as it is boring and uninteresting. Though maybe, I should not say that since it is a true story.
The movie is apparently based on the director's life. It tells the story about two girls in love. When the first one comes out to her parents, she is rejected so her girlfriend takes he to LGBTQetc. deaf support group where they all take turns in sharing their life stories in the second half of the movie. They all seem to be in a world devoid of hearing people.
The whole concept of this movie is rather original since is almost entirely silent: only one character speaks while all the others sign. But everything else did not rise up to the occasion. the cinematography is bland and pale and sad. The acting is bad though it is obvious everyone tried their best but it is still not good enough. The music is awful: a sort of hypnotic, sad, repetitive, monotonal piano piece: there were like 5 notes played repeatedly, non stop. I actually fell asleep a couple of times and had to rewind it in order not to miss out on the plot.
You have to admire though, the bravery of these people who do not let their handicap be impediment to their happiness. Ultimately it is a very optimistic movie.
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Realistic and heart wrenching in a way
Although the movie is of a shorter length, it manages to deliver its message clearly.All the actors did such a great job. Sometimes it was a bit hard figuring out whether their facial expressions were a part of the sign language or the acting/emotion itself (mainly during the scene where the FL was coming out to her parents) but overall it was beatiful to see all of the cast using the sign language to communicate.
My absolute favourite thing about the movie would be the past when Ayumi drew the gender, sex/body, and sexual orientation graph for Hana, and then Hana scribbled the sexual orientation one and just wrote Ayumi's name there. That was such a nice message, showing that you don't need to label yourself to be valid too.
The second half was focused on the supporting characters which took me a bit by surprise by how much screentime their flashbacks and stories got but at the end I was happy for it, their stories deserved to be told too. The best thing is that they all got their happy endings yet it still felt realistic.
Overall I rate this movie 9/10.
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A story about people who often go unheard
This movie is a very rare gem indeed. It's not often that you get to see Own-Voices productions of stories about queer people or deaf people and here you get both woven into one, all based on the real life experiences of the director.Because of this, the film feels undeniably real in a way which I really enjoyed.
The actors' performances are fantastic for the most part, and the sound design is phenomenal. It fully immerses the viewer in the world that its deaf characters inhabit while still being entirely accessible for those not hard of hearing, it really is masterfully done.
I also really loved how much the story focused on the importance of community and support, of found family in a way.
Now, will some viewers, such as myself, who enjoy certain privileges in their lives find this movie boring? Unfortunately, yes.
As someone who is lucky enough to be able to live openly and without fear and whose coming out was fully supported by a host of loving family members and friends, I couldn't relate to a lot of the struggles the characters faced.
But that in no way diminishes the film's value or should prevent anyone from watching it.
For anyone struggling with societal pressures due to their identity, for anyone who has to face rejection and recrimination for being who they are, for anyone grieving the "normal" happy life they haven't gotten to live yet, this movie will undoubtedly mean a lot. It's a promise that there is light at the end of the tunnel, the reassurance that, no matter what, you are not alone.
This is an incredibly important and meaningful message and for that alone I consider this movie well worth watching.
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