Is I Won't Forget the Young Day's Song / Narcisse Noir II Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

I Won't Forget the Young Day's Song / Narcisse Noir II, a standout production of 2013, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Modern Cinema landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into At 16, the young samurai Maki Bunshirou is in love with Fuku, a daughter of another good family. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "At 16, the young samurai Maki Bunshirou is in love with Fuku, a daughter of another good family. He spends his year working in the court as a page, and also training in sword-work in the dojo. Then one day his father is caught up in a failed rebellion against the lord and disgraced. After his father commits ritual suicide to atone, Bunshirou's life becomes much darker as his family lives in shame. He is separated from Fuku, who is sent to the capital, Edo. Slowly, Bunshirou begins to regain an honorable position. Then he begins to hear rumors that Fuku has become a concubine of a lord in Edo..."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. So Kazuho does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Oono Takuji is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 160 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is I Won't Forget the Young Day's Song / Narcisse Noir II truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, I Won't Forget the Young Day's Song / Narcisse Noir II explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2013 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Oono Takuji respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, I Won't Forget the Young Day's Song / Narcisse Noir II is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of So Kazuho or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, I Won't Forget the Young Day's Song / Narcisse Noir II is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.