Montage Review

Shiori Itō presents a universal experience in the film of an individual fighting against an established system; the experience of being ostracized for voicing any kind of anti-majority, anti-popular perspective counter to the widely accepted beliefs of political conformity to nationalism.

Overwhelmed by the idea that she must win this battle against political and societal opposition, not only does she receive death threats, she attempts suicide.

Itō has difficulty looking at cherry blossoms because it reminds her of the season when all of these negative events began. However, the most poignant moments comes when the doorman at the hotel emails her, saying that he has witnessed much of what has occurred there.

When she calls him back, she does so with the pessimism that he will likely be unwilling to testify publicly, and tells him that while she appreciates his email that she has to warn him that his job will be in jeopardy if he makes an official statement.

To her surprise, the staff then says he is willing to lose his job to speak the truth about what happened. At that moment she starts shaking and crying uncontrollably.

Here was one good human being, she realizes. There are some bad strangers out there but there are also good strangers out there who are willing to risk their livelihood to stand for the truth.