Actress Komi Kadowaki, 35 years old, has taken on the lead role in the newest film "Kirei na, Aku," directed by Kazuyo Okuyama. The movie is based on the work of Akutagawa Prize winner, Bunnoru Nakamura, and Kadowaki masterfully portrays a woman recounting her harrowing life experiences, all captured in one continuous shot.
Kadowaki's performance draws from her rich background; she played the notable role of Akiko Minamoto in the popular Taiga drama "Hikaru Kimi e" last year, which aired in 2024. Recently, she also impressed audiences as a female inspector on the drama "Quartet Dance, Who Saw?" and is set to star in the upcoming NHK morning drama "Anpan." Clearly, Kadowaki is on quite the roll, demonstrating immense versatility and talent along the way.
Reflecting on her role, Kadowaki shared insights about the psychological intricacies of her character. “When I first read the script, I was taken aback,” she confessed. "I thought, ‘What kind of film will this be?’ It was quite shocking, which piqued my curiosity.” Kadowaki had previously appreciated Okuyama's works, especially his involvement with director Takeshi Kitano’s early trilogy, which added personal weight to her decision to be part of this film.
Kadowaki was particularly taken by the nature of the narrative, which largely revolves around the protagonist's monologues. “The impression I got from the female character’s soliloquies was ambiguous; I couldn’t tell what was true or false,” she noted. “There are fascinating human elements woven through her interpretations of the events she describes, which made the script compelling.”
This thematic complexity becomes even more poignant when considering the emotional burden the character bears. “Even though she shares so much, it somehow leaves room for interpretation. It feels like the story allows for the audience to come to their conclusions.” Kadowaki indicates the script's depth by hinting at the nuances of her character’s undeniable pain and the struggles she faces.
Spoken words, she emphasized, can carry weight, especially when deeply personal experiences are unveiled. She reflected, “Given how intimately the character shares her past, I thought it would be impossible to recount such tragic memories so vividly. It can’t be easy to relive those moments.” She also pointed out how this shaped her approach to the role. “I aimed to deliver my lines without infusing them with too much ‘color,’ to keep it authentic.”
This ambition of hers denotes her respect for the material, but it also shows how the performance can resonate with viewers. “If I can evoke feelings or thoughts to allow the audience to connect with her struggle, I’ll feel accomplished,” Kadowaki adds. Her commitment to authenticity is evident as she navigates through the character’s extreme experiences.
Kadowaki's take isn’t just theoretical; it reflects her personal connection to the material. “I can see elements of myself as we try to fulfill our lives fully. The fact she continues narratively even when faced with adversity speaks volumes about her resilience.” The actress continues to ponder how her character’s insistence on being heard mirrors attitudes she observes around her.
“Even if her monologue might be filled with lies, there’s something powerful about her will to keep expressing herself. It shows her desire to be seen, to say ‘I exist’,” she elaborated. “I believe the poignant final lines carry significant meaning, provoking thoughts about whom she addresses and the motivations behind her words.” Kadowaki invites the audience to grapple with their interpretations, offering rich, open-ended questions.
Through her compelling character study, Kadowaki emerges as not just an actress but as someone willing to take risks and tackle heavy themes. Her foray back onto the screen through "Kirei na, Aku" proves her exceptional range and commitment to storytelling, intertwining her own insights with the shared human experience of confronting harsh realities.
The film arrives at theaters with high anticipation, as viewers look forward to witnessing Kadowaki’s transformation and exploration of complex themes of identity and truth. Given her momentum, both on and off the screen, Komi Kadowaki’s upcoming projects seem promising, leaving fans eager for more.