| Director, Writer | Michihito Fujii |
| Cast | Masami Nagasawa, Kentarô Sakaguchi, Ryûsei Yokohama, Lily Franky, Nana Mori |
| Runtime | 132 minutes |
| Native Title | パレード |
| Genre | Drama |
– No Spoilers –
In this gut-wrenching drama film, Minako finds herself utterly alone and heartbroken when, after a devastating catastrophe, she is unable to find her son. Soon, however, she realises why the people around her have been behaving in an uncharacteristic manner – she has died and is now stuck in between worlds, unable to find peace because of unfinished business. In her quest, she comes across others in a similar situation and go on a journey together.
This is an oddly emotional movie that might not cater to everyone at all times becuse of the subject matter and the way it is presented. It’s a calm and emotional journey that makes your heart heavy and sometimes uplifts your spirits. Misako is a character, who somewhat represents us in this movie – she’s confused at first and doesn’t understand what is happening to her and what this strange new world means. However, slowly, she opens up to her new aquantances who slowly become her friends. Her spirit lifts as she nurses the hope in her heart to find her son.
All of the supporting characters are rather heartbreaking representations of differnet people with different hopes and dreams and things that they want to achieve that have kept them where they are. They are real people with relatable struggles and moving emotions that feel close to home in many ways. Minako isn’t the only one hurting, all of these wandering spirits have an ache that needs to be attended to and we slowly learn of these predicaments through the motions of the film.
Unfortuantely, I think that is where the movie truly falters a bit and why a lot of people will turn away from it. In spite of the profound emotions being brought forth and difficult questions asked, The Parades gets a bit slow after a while. I get that the subject matter needs time and love to truly take shape and emotions can’t be rushed but there’s just a lot going on and at a very slow pace that loses its audience after a while. I guess loses is a strong word; I would say that the attention span starts to linger a bit, although it doesn’t totally lose you because you fall in love with the characters.
The backstories and the relationship among the characters are what really keep you somewhat tied to your screens and there were several moments when it made my heart leap out of my chest. As I mentioned above, all of the stories are so heartfelt and sincere that they touch your heart over and over again. There’s a lot of understanding and sweet banter that makes the experience whole, although the root of the story is that these stories are so heartbreakingly sad.
Beautiful performances of beautiful characters make for an emotional watch through and through. Although slow, the movie has its moments of intrigue and anticipation and leaves us wanting more. Some stories are given more time than others but even then, the uplifting and inspiring background score makes you wish for good things to happen in the lives of these people stricken by grief and misfortune but still with so much love and happiness to give.
The Parades Review: Conclusion
There’s something about The Parades that stays with you long after the runtime is over. The movie is long and sometimes the storyline gets a bit too stretched thin to cover the runtime but it’s a delight to watch if you feel like you need someone to understand your feelings. If you need a slow and emotional movie, this one will be good for the weekend with your loved ones.
The Parades is streaming on Netflix.
Also Read: Love is Blind Season 6 Review: Drama and Toxicity Make For an Insane Watch
I’am half the movie and falling asleep every 5 minuttes, they are ghost who can travel the human earth and go everywhere they want,
If this is death i will end myself soon unless i dies in my sleep, its looks better than real life, like be with some group, talk, have fun for once, and travel the world,
They travel, watch movies, going around touching stuff but not other humans, cant even use ghost powers to nothing to other living things,
If the could/can im only half the move they could take revenge on the persons who did them wrong, a new comer a shcool girl bullied too death,
If that dosent happen i will come back later burn this movie off to death,
For now my score: 1.5 of 5, have you heard of the anime: DEATH PARADE, make a live action of that then i gets my hope in netflix again.
Is that heaven yaayy here i come, i rather live like them in the movie than the reality, hate to live, hate the pains, hate the bad feelings everday, the people around should die this moment, leave me the fuck alone but the old hags and old people bother mer in my jobb and freetime,
Anyway TWO FUCKING HOUERS YOU NETFLIX LOST IT COMPLETLY?!?? IM EXUSTED TO WATCH THIS, I WANT MY TWO HOUERS BACK….GOD ITS BORING,,, NO SCARY THINGS, NO DEMONS, NOTHING THAT LOOKS LIKE HEAVEN, AND NONE OF THE DEAD ARE GOING TO HELL EITHER….