Given
dir. Hikaru Yamaguchi · 2020
Love can be a powerful force that shapes our identities and connections with others.
Feature
Forbidden Love
Mood
Romantic / Melancholic
Look
soft, pastel color palette with fluid animation
Structure
linear with introspective flashbacks
Plot
Haruki secretly had feelings for Akihiko for years, but Akihiko was still in a relationship with his roommate, the violinist Ugetsu Murata. Haruki, Akihiko, and Ugetsu's love clashes and starts to move forward.
Why watch
"Given" captures the bittersweet essence of unspoken love through stunning animation and a hauntingly beautiful score, intertwining the complexities of relationships with the art of music. This poignant exploration of forbidden affection invites viewers into a world where melodies echo the heart's deepest desires.
Talking points
- the impact of music on relationships
- navigating unrequited love
- gender dynamics in romance
- cultural representation in animation
Cultural context
contemporary LGBTQ+ experiencesthe significance of music in relationshipsJapanese societal norms on love