Miss Hokusai review: A fantastical biopic of the daughter of one of Japan’s most famous artists.
Miss Hokusai review by Luke Baldock. Even if you don’t know your Rene Magritte from your Neil Buchanan, there are some pieces of art out there that everybody recognises. One such piece is The Great Wave Off Kanagawa, which adorns all sorts of Japanese souvenirs, posters, and has been integrated with pop-culture references by many an illustrator. The creator of this incredible piece was Katsushika Hokusai (Yutaka Matsushige), who was exceptionally prolific and gave us everything from beautiful vistas, demonic creations, and illustrations for erotica. Less known was his daughter, and protagonist of Miss Hokusai, O-Ei (Anne Watanabe). Although O-Ei became a successful artist in her own right, she also aided, touched up, and some say even created, some her father’s work.
Miss Hokusai is a personal tale of frustrated artists and their family bonds. Katsushika is completely enveloped in his work, or so it would appear. He creates masterpieces with seemingly little effort, and will even leave commissioned work up to his daughter O-Ei. It’s debatable whether this is out of trust, faith, encouragement, or just his laziness. Or perhaps it is even all of the above. Meanwhile O-Ei is looking for her own voice to come through, while suitors also seem to be passing her way and passing her by. Despite this, the film avoids obvious conflict or needless jealously. It’s more complicated, and as such has a greater power over the heart.
O-Ei is a wonderful character who confronts those around her and presents her strength effortlessly. The film does well to capture her talent while also mixing around some fantasy elements and genuine drama while never demonising nor romanticising efforts and morals. It’s revealed early on that Katsushika has another child who happens to be blind. Katsushika seems to not have time for her, but as a man dedicated to art it is also subtly explored how a life without sight is difficult to understand. It’s heartfelt but not preachy, and as O-Ei begins to influence the lives of those around her, we are treated to a wondrous series of events.
The animation is a huge part of the film, but it goes above and beyond in representing the themes of the film and bringing to life the artwork of both Hokusais. One scene on the ocean transforms into Hokusai’s most famous painting, while sometimes paintings are used for fantasy elements. A portion of the film focuses on a woman tormented by a painting of demons that come to life and capture the classic Japanese style. Whether subtle, or the focus of attention, these creations make sure there are always treats to be seen in both the foreground and background.
Bright and rambunctious, the film feels alive at all times and also refreshingly modern. Even the soundtrack sometimes slips into rock, which perfectly represents the chaos of an old city to modern day audiences. The voice work is delicate throughout, with each star capturing the essence of the various and varied scenes. Romance, comedy, and even bits of horror combine in a wonderful and inventive biopic that captures the essence of those it focuses on.
Miss Hokusai review by Luke Ryan Baldock, January 2016.
Miss Hokusai is playing in select UK cinemas from 5th February, and is released on DVD and Blu-ray from 31st March.
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