Haruko's Doll
In the early days of the Showa era in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture a newborn baby is abandoned with a doll under the eaves of a merchant house along the pilgrimage route in Shikoku. It seems to be a pilgrim struggling to make a living. This baby girl is named Haruko and brought by Tomita Shizuko and Katsuji as the younger sister of their son Ryosuke who is three years apart. When the war begins, 16-year old Ryosuke qualifies for the naval academy and crosses the Seto Inland Sea. After some consideration, Shizuko tells Haruko the truth that they are not real siblings for the first time. Haruko who has had a secret crush on her brother ever since he said that he would protect her, is innocently overjoyed and heads to Hiroshima to convey this to him. The next day, an atomic bomb explodes in the sky…
Insights
Plot Summary
A reclusive doll maker, Haruko, lives a solitary life haunted by a past tragedy. When a series of unsettling events begin to unfold in her quiet town, she becomes entangled in a complex mystery involving a mysterious doll that seems to hold dark secrets. As Haruko delves deeper, she must confront her own buried memories and the dangerous truth behind the doll before it's too late.
Critical Reception
Haruko's Doll received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who praised its atmospheric tension and Yui Aragaki's performance, while some found the plot convoluted. Audiences were generally captivated by the film's psychological depth and visual style.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its chilling atmosphere and strong lead performance.
- Criticized by some for a complex and occasionally confusing narrative.
- Applauded for its intriguing psychological thriller elements and visual storytelling.
Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's suspenseful nature and the emotional depth brought by the lead actress. Many found the mystery engaging, though a minority felt the pacing lagged in certain sections.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Actress at the Japan Academy Film Prize (Yui Aragaki).
Fun Fact
The intricate details of the dolls featured in the film were handcrafted by a renowned Japanese doll artist, adding a layer of authentic artistry to the production.
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