It is constantly bubbling. Every moment is filled with tension. There is a premonition that something significant is about to change, and it turns out to be true. This is the first feature film 'Happy End' by Japan's rising star director, Neo Sora.
The film tells the story of teenagers trying to find their own identity in a dystopian society. The protagonists are high school students rebelling against an oppressive system, and their conflicts, friendships, and social struggles unfold in a powerful and unique way.
In a near-future Tokyo with flickering lights, high school students 'Yuta' and 'Kou' spend their carefree days with friends. Sneaking into school late at night to find their club room, they play a mischievous prank on Principal 'Nagai's' luxury vehicle, prompting the furious school to implement an AI surveillance system. This horrific method involves monitoring all students with cameras and immediately assigning demerits for any behavior that violates school rules.
Socially, there is great chaos. The threat of a major earthquake looms over daily life, spreading anxiety throughout the country, and even an assassination attempt on the Prime Minister occurs. Movements to exclude foreign residents from society arise, and protests happen almost daily. There is intense confrontation everywhere. Thus, there is no safe place in society or school.
They diverge. But they unite again. They also choose different paths. The work captures the inner conflicts of two friends as they strive to overcome social injustices and discrimination, showcasing their passionate will and efforts. It portrays the struggles of teenagers at a crossroads of whether to conform, fight, or find a solution in any way.
Ultimately, it is a story of growth against confusion and wounds as they find their own identities. The director addresses these social issues with a sharp perspective and a distinctive style.
Intense music, fast-paced development, and flawless performances by the actors add to the film. The depth of the message and the genre's pleasure harmonize appropriately.
The director asserts that the future created by a generation that stands against wrongdoings, despite the repetition of bad practices, an unchanging system, and ongoing absurdities, will surely be different. At the very least, it will be much better than a society built on silence and indifference. The trial and error of that process will undoubtedly be worthwhile.
Releasing on the 30th. Rated for ages 15 and up. Running time: 113 minutes.
