Hana and Alice 花とアリス

Hana is a timid girl, plagued by low self-esteem, often lurking in corners. Her small lie – "I am the girl you liked before your memory loss" – sets a complex narrative in motion.

Alice, graceful as a ballet swan, becomes entwined in this deception when Hua claims, "Alice is your former girlfriend." Their friendship, once simple, spirals into unforeseen territory.

I first saw the film last winter. Amidst the cold winds, the city basked in bright sunshine. Time moved slowly, comfortably, as I journeyed by bus. Sunlight streaming through the window cast a warm glow over my dark brown eyes, tinged with a poignant sadness.

The second viewing was after a typhoon, during a school closure. As rain and wind lashed outside, I absorbed the film in quiet solitude.

One memorable scene is Alice's silent ballet, her hair flying in a dance choreographed by Shunji Iwai. It made me wonder about her thoughts during the dance. What prompted this beautiful, wordless performance?

The Ace of Hearts scene – Alice and the Rabbit in a fairy tale kiss – is poignant. Alice's expression, tinged with sadness and perhaps regret, brought me to tears. It felt like a farewell, and I cried even before the character did.

Alice's softly spoken "I love you," "Goodbye," and "Secret" linger in my mind. Each confession doubles as a farewell.

Then there's the scene at the “Wind” photography exhibition. A girl's gentle admonition to Hana, "You shouldn't quarrel with Alice," reflects the depth of their friendship – so profound that their quarrel seems unimaginable.

The film itself might not be overwhelmingly touching, but in the right context, its impact amplifies exponentially, lingering long after the credits roll. In this narrative, love weaves a complex web, challenging the characters' understanding of friendship, truth, and affection.

"Hana and Alice" – even the mere thought of it fills my heart with a wealth of emotions.