aghaemi If there ever was a production that fit the definition, look and feel of a cult film then All About Lily Chou-Chou would be it. Filmed in Ashikaga in Tochigi Prefecture this film did well upon release in Japan in 2001, but it was the subsequent export, mystique and international fandom that have kept the ethereal film alive. There are many ways to describe 'Lily Chou-Chou Is Everything' (Riri Shushu No Subete in Japanese) and none of them would point to anything remotely mainstream or Hollywood-esque. It is a feel-bad movie that is nihilistic to the extreme, original and catches one off-guard and, independent of that depiction, there is a reasonable debate (in my mind anyway) as to whether it is good. The story revolves around the fanatics of the mythical artist Lily Chou-Chou whose art, to her fans and members of a website whose chat room message are integral and elucidating, is beyond anything merely terrestrial and is often described as embodying the 'ether.' Her fans live and breathe within the ether firstly because she is that sublime and secondly as an escape mechanism from the toll it takes to be a teenage high school student of fourteen in modern Japan. The students are perpetrators and victims of bullying, oppression, alienation, angst, prostitution, corruption and disregarded by a hopeless cadre of teachers and parents. Banish those images of Japan as an orderly and organized society with a disciplined and respectable school system. To be fair, however, whether anyone - including myself - really 'gets' this film is another matter. It comes across as lifelike, and partly due to the documentary-style camera-work which is most observable in the Okinawa and kendo sequences, but it is deliberately cryptic, open to interpretation and even ends without something as definite as one is expecting - perhaps as a nod to life in modern society in general. Incidentally, the travel to Okinawa, and its aftermath, is the most unrealistic. The money may have been procured through ill-begotten means, but what about the time, opportunity and parental permissions? Would one subsequently change so drastically? As if there was not enough confusion the film incorporates flashbacks. The pompous and simultaneously enlightening All About Lily Chou-Chou is filmed long and like a stream of consciousness and, if nothing else, will make one hate the younger generation and its enablers. I always thought striking imagery, penetrating story lines and intense music make for perfect films - think Blade Runner or Kill Bill or Lost in Translation - and this film has it all. The added element, however, is the extra disturbing content for which there is no preparation. On the flip side, All About Lily Chou-Chou's music is a success and laudable. With the film revolving around a recording artist it might be expected, but the alternative ambiance of Lily, as performed by the as-of-then unknown Salyu, is perfect for the concept of the 'ether' and for the suffocating world in which the anti-heroes live. While we are on the subject the film and Lily were inspired by Chinese singress Faye Wong. Lily/Salyu's Kaifuku No Kizu was included/mumbled in the film Kill Bill to boot. French composer Debussy's work is also prominently featured. Did I learn anything or know anything definitive from this film? Well, datsu or Needlefish is called Shijar in Okinawa. North is 'nishi,' east is 'agari,'south is 'fue' and west is iri.' Everything else is open to interpretation... On a good day Japan bewilders most people. All About Lily Chou-Chou out-bewilders the bewilderment.

randompig With Debussy's masterpiece and some wonderful music, this film has surpassed the meaning of "movie", it's not just a entertainment anymore, instead, it has taken over a part of my whole life. If one really appreciates and ponders what this film really represents and the message the director trying to convey, then after watching this film will come a extremely feeling of the blues, which can make you feel down, even make you want to cry.This masterpiece is definitely worth watching. Every time I try to escape away from the reality, i'll watch this, because somehow, i can find myself through this.

carlacryptic Although it disturbed me greatly to think that Japanese adolescents might be struggling with these issues and events (seems kids all over the developed world are in a similar boat), I am glad I saw this film. It's beautifully made, the acting is stellar, and the music is gorgeous. The fact that it grew out of a project begun on the internet, where real people's experiences and reactions were integral, just makes it more meaningful. I recommend it highly.If, however, you are a parent or other adult who shares it with younger people, make sure to discuss it during and/or afterwards. I don't think kids should be prevented from seeing films like this - the issues in them are far too close to home for them. But, I do think that it's important not to leave them hanging in the wind without a way to process the violence, sexual and otherwise, or their reactions to it, pro or con.

layla ramsay I have been living in Japan for a couple of years, but have just recently begun to take an interest in Japanese movies. I have never watched a western movie and been left staring at the screen as the credits roll, unable to move for at least 5 minutes, which is how i seem to find myself at the end of every Japanese movie i have watched.... The latest was All About Lily Chou Chou. The best one yet. The story is so true to life, especially in Japan, and i liked how it showed how completely useless adults can be for teenagers going through that high school "phase" battling with life and their own emotions and insecurities, and dealing with the true nastiness of the kids they are surrounded by every day. The soundtrack (!!!) played a huge part in making this movie what it is, and i'm pretty sure i will be listening to it for years to come. I was hooked right at the beginning. Cinematography was also out of this world, some of the simplest of scenes were just so beautiful. Admittedly, the story is quite hard to follow at times, but i really can't hold that against it, because it did all make sense to me in the end... and if anything it gives you an excuse to watch it over and over again! All i can say is if your looking for some light entertainment this movie is probably not for you. But for those of you looking for something a bit deeper, get your tissues, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!