Makuko

Synopsis

Makuko, directed by Tetsuya Mariko and featuring Hikaru Yamazaki, is a touching Japanese drama released in 2019. The film centers on a high school boy named Yusuke who retreats into his imagination and contemplates the mysteries of life and death after encountering a mysterious girl named Makuko. Set against the backdrop of a quiet rural town, the story explores themes of adolescence, grief, and self-discovery through surreal and poetic storytelling. With its dreamlike visuals and reflective narrative, Makuko invites viewers into a world where reality blurs with fantasy, portraying the inner struggles and hopes of its youthful characters.

Cast

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  Hikaru Yamazaki

  Satoshi

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  Ninon

  Kozue

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  Tsuyoshi Kusanagi

  Koichi

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  Risa Sudou

  Akemi

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  Jun Murakami

  Dono

• 

  Atsushi Hashimoto

  Kosuga

Reviews

Critics have had mixed yet generally appreciative responses to Makuko. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.1/10 based on user reviews, reflecting a moderate reception. Reviewers often praise the film's atmospheric and artistic direction; for example, some highlight how the cinematography creates an evocative, ethereal mood that enhances the film’s themes of youth and loss. However, opinions vary on the film's narrative pacing and clarity. Some viewers find the storyline to be slow and abstract, mentioning that it may not appeal to those seeking straightforward storytelling. According to a review from Asian Movie Pulse, Makuko "delivers a poetic meditation on adolescence that is both captivating and haunting," but also notes that "the film’s ambiguous plot may challenge audiences unfamiliar with art-house cinema." Similarly, festival critics have lauded Yamazaki’s sensitive performance but pointed out that the film’s complex symbolism requires patient viewing. Overall, Makuko is regarded as a visually compelling and thought-provoking piece, suited primarily for fans of contemplative, art-house films rather than mainstream audiences.