people who say rape allegations ruin the careers of men should maybe watch this film

This is maybe the toughest thing I watched all year. It's a really personal look into the diary of a rape victim that doesn't pull any emotional punches, and and even if there's some minor sugarcoating here and there (for example, we don't get many details about the actual events that took place), I'm honestly glad that it made that choice or the film would've just become too heavy. Furthermore, because Shiori Ito is a journalist, she effortlessly makes these broader observations about the way abuse victims are treated, pointing our attention towards the patriarchical values that are deeply ingrained in modern Japanese society and its institutions. Hands are being kept above people's heads in such a way that reeks of corruption. Power, outdated laws and traditional gender norms are also major issues. In terms of substance I have pretty much no issues with this documentary, besides perhaps the scene where Shiori Ito searches her apartment for bugging devices, which remains a loose end that could've stayed on the cutting room floor. On the other hand, the presentation often feels unsure about what to show, thereby often falling back on a lot of uncreative documentary tropes (shots of city scapes, stock piano music, etc.). Still, the material is always so thoughtful, raw and honest that it didn't bother me too much. The end result is definitely not something I'd recommend to everyone, but even despite the amount of tragedy that's packed in its 103 minute runtime, Ito dares to leaves us on a note that feels cathartic and bittersweet. 7/10

Sad. She's really strong. Best wishes to her.

This doc is absolutely tremendous. Deeply intimate and moving while still forensic and inspiring. Best of my year ... by far. 👏✨