Review of Norwegian Wood (2010) by David H — 30 Jan 2012

Love is a dynamic theme in this film. If love makes the world go round, then death closely follows. Based on Haruki Murakami's novel by the same name, the film uses silence to give the story a deadpan and serious tone. Shots are packed with vibrant backgrounds that give viewers something to marvel at while soaking in the context of each scene.

Norwegian Wood extends the meaning of the word "hopeless romantic." To simplify: Boy meets Girl, Girl tries to love but can't, Boy shoots for the moon to win her affection, Girl is too damaged to feel love again, Boy continues anyways, Girl commits suicide, Boy vows to keep her memory alive even after her death. Although the general plot sounds like a cliche, the story is filled with complications that makes love impossible for the two protagonists, Toru and Naoko to achieve from the start.