Chibusa yo eien nare

Poet Fumiko Nakajo (1922–1954) is one of Japan’s most famous writers despite being largely unknown outside of the country. The book of poems published shortly before her untimely death and a biography published shortly afterwards form the basis for this moving cinematic exploration of the young author’s restless existence, including her failed marriage, her breast cancer diagnosis, her artistic success towards the end of her life, and her close relationship to a young journalist shortly before her death. Nakajo’s poems are as open and personal as Tanaka’s melodrama is bold, not least in how it depicts the young woman’s battle with cancer as well as her emotional world, which moves between depression and yearning, sadness and brief moments of happiness. (mg)