Utsubyou Kudan
Sengaki Manabu (Yasuda Ken) is a popular professional shogi player who holds the highest rank of 9-dan. In July 2017, he was in the middle of a game that would determine his rank when his brain suddenly froze. He could not focus on the shogi board and images of death swirled in his mind. As the person in charge of the shogi association’s public relations, he was busy responding to scandals that had shaken up the shogi world. At the same time, he was also a supervising director for a movie on shogi. He had no rest as he would play shogi in the intervals between. His older brother Akira (Takahashi Katsumi) who is a psychiatrist, diagnoses his condition as depression and recommends immediate hospitalisation. The doctor in charge orders Sengaki to take a long rest and stop playing shogi in the meantime. Shogi would only hamper his medical treatment as it entails extreme concentration.
Insights
Plot Summary
This film tells the story of a man who has been diagnosed with depression and the complex relationship he develops with a woman who seems to understand his struggles. As they navigate their individual battles with mental health, they find solace and a unique connection in each other's company. The narrative explores themes of loneliness, healing, and the possibility of finding hope even in the darkest of times.
Critical Reception
Utsubyou Kudan received a generally subdued reception, with critics acknowledging its sensitive portrayal of mental health issues but finding the narrative pacing to be slow at times. Audiences were more divided, with some appreciating the emotional depth and relatability, while others felt the film lacked a strong narrative drive.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its authentic depiction of depression and its emotional resonance.
- Critiqued for its deliberate pacing, which some viewers found too slow.
- Noted for the subtle chemistry between the lead actors.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews is not readily available for this specific film.
Fun Fact
The film's title, 'Utsubyou Kudan,' directly translates to 'Depression Quotient' or 'Depression Level,' highlighting its central theme.
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