Watch 37 Seconds

"37 Seconds" is a heartwarming and inspiring coming-of-age drama film directed by Hikari. It premiered at the 2019 Berlin International Film Festival and went on to win the Audience Award for Best Film in the Panorama section. The movie follows the life of Yuma Takada, a young manga artist with cerebral palsy. Yuma, played by Mei Kayama, has a passion for drawing manga, but her overprotective mother, played by Makiko Watanabe, is very controlling and does not allow her to have much independence. Despite her disability, Yuma is determined to pursue her dream of becoming a professional manga artist and get her work published in a major magazine.

The story takes an unexpected turn when Yuma is given the chance to illustrate a manga about a woman named Sayaka who is a sex worker with a disability. As Yuma researches this topic and becomes more emotionally invested in it, she starts to question her own identity and sexuality. She begins to explore her own desires and experiences sexual awakening, which leads her to a deep reflection on her own disability and how it shapes her identity.

Guided by her best friend, Mai, played by Nanami Kawakami, Yuma embarks on a journey of self-discovery and liberation. Along the way, she struggles to find her own voice in a society that often sees her as invisible due to her disability. Through her art, Yuma finds a way to express her feelings and experiences, and she ultimately learns to embrace herself and her uniqueness.

The film is a touching and honest portrayal of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, particularly those in Japan, where there is still a strong stigma attached to disability. It also sheds light on the issue of sex work and the challenges faced by sex workers with disabilities who often face discrimination and marginalization.

One of the biggest strengths of "37 Seconds" is the brilliant performance by Mei Kayama, who brings a rare authenticity and vulnerability to the character of Yuma. Her portrayal is nuanced and powerful, and she succeeds in capturing the nuances of a young woman trying to find her place in a world that often ignores her. Makiko Watanabe is also excellent as Yuma's mother, who is torn between her love for her daughter and her desire to protect her.

The film is beautifully shot, with stunning visuals that capture the vibrant cityscape of Tokyo. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, with a mix of J-pop and classical music that adds to the emotional depth of the story.

Overall, "37 Seconds" is a heartwarming and touching film that tackles important issues in a sensitive and nuanced way. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in disability studies, gender studies, or simply wants to watch a well-crafted and emotionally engaging film. With its powerful message of self-acceptance and empowerment, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on its viewers.

37 Seconds is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 62.