Movie spotlight
Beauty
Set in a small Nagano village in the 1930s, the film follows Hanji, a young boy captivated by a local kabuki performance. Inspired by Yukio, Hanji learns kabuki with Utako. As they grow, they become skilled actors, performing in a final kabuki before World War II. After the war, Hanji returns to revive kabuki and restore the community’s spirit. In the 1980s, as he nears death, the villagers organise a final performance in his honour, where he performs “Tenryu Koishibuki” for Yukio.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young, beautiful woman named Francie lives in a restrictive Afrikaans community. Her life is dictated by the rigid social norms and expectations of her family and church. She finds solace and a sense of identity through her passion for dance, which becomes her escape and her ultimate expression.
Critical Reception
Beauty was a critical darling, particularly praised for its sensitive portrayal of a young woman's coming-of-age within a conservative society. Critics lauded the film's visual style, its subtle yet powerful performances, and its exploration of themes like repression, identity, and the yearning for freedom.
What Reviewers Say
Visually stunning and atmospheric.
A poignant and sensitive coming-of-age story.
Features a compelling central performance.
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Awards & Accolades
Selected for screening at the Cannes Film Festival in 2009 (Directors' Fortnight).
Fun Fact
The film was shot in the Karoo region of South Africa, a landscape that plays a significant role in establishing the film's stark and isolated atmosphere.
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