Customer Reviews

Nana

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Okay, I haven't read the manga this is based on so I don't know how accurately it follows the storyline. However, I really liked this movie. It's about two girls who both share the name Nana but are very very different. There is Nana played by Aoi Miyazaki who is cute, needy, and a bit immature. Then there is the singer Nana played by Mika Nakashima (a singer in real life) who is a fiercely independent member of a rock band trying to work her way up to fame. They end up living together and learn and grow from each other. Some people may find it frustrating that Miyazaki's character can be so timid and weak or how her romantic relationship is dealt with. However, I think it is essential when watching this movie to know that this is in a different culture and so the gender roles are slightly different. Keeping that in mind, this is a great story about two drastically different girls' close friendship.

I am not really into j-movies but one of my friends recommended this movie. I love this film! such a great cast as well. I became a fan of Aoi Miyazaki she is such a talented actress- I think one of the reasons why this film rocks is because of Aoi and her smile which tugs the core of the heart. The chemistry between Mika and Aoi is incredible that while watching the movie you can feel their sorrow and difficulties.. The scenes between these two characters are very well done without going over the top or dramatic.. The Nana 2 is a let down because Aoi is not in the cast anymore..her presence was truly missed..

The soundtrack is so cool! (mind you I don't speak a word of japanese, but I love the j-alternative type of music in the film.)

I first saw this movie when flying to Asia in 2006 - I'm happy that it is out on DVD now here in the USA. It is a movie about an unexpected unconditional friendship between two young women with the same name (Nana), both who are trying to find their career and path in life in the big and impersonal Tokyo. Both have personal and career difficulties and find strength in each other. The acting of the two main characters is superb. Nana "Hachi" Komatsu is somewhat innocent, needy, and seems to have led a sheltered life. Nana Osaki is a budding hard rock star who is worldly and has seen many of the more painful sides of life. Despite the differences they are able to form a true friendship and face the world together. The acting is extremely believable and the geniuneness of the women oozes out of the screen. Mika Nakashima, who plays the rocker, exudes compassion and a seriousness. Aoi Miyazaki, "Hachi", is somewhat immature but is basically a good person. The movie really recruits viewers into caring about them, and for wishing the best for them. Another aspect of the movie I liked was that it never became too serious and dark. All the characters are attempting to survive and find happiness, without it coming at the expense of others. There is a consistent theme of an upbeat positivity and of an overarching friendship. The plot stays within itself and makes eminent sense. There is not an overreaching plot line which falls on itself.
I think that all of us wish that we had a platonic friend who cared for us absolutely without expecting something return. People who are interested in any of the subjects of friendship, Japan, Japanese culture, all would like this film. Overall a beautiful movie.

Based on the engaging manga (Japanese comics) by Ai Yazawa, Nana is a dramatic, live-action Japanese movie with English subtitles about the lives of two women, each named Nana. Nana "Hachi" Komatsu has come to Tokyo with her boyfriend in the hopes of starting afresh, while Nana Osaki has arrived in Tokyo chasing her dream to make a name for herself in rock 'n' roll as a pop music idol. Despite the women's radically different backgrounds, motives, and personalities, they become best friends as they adapt to the difficult challenges of life in a bustling, unfamiliar metropolis. An upbeat, engaging story of the supportive bond between female friends during the best of times and the worst of the times. 114 minutes, color.

You'll thoroughly enjoy this movie whether you've read the original manga or not (I haven't.) The story is developed with a lot of spirit and energy. Two young women, vastly different in personality, happen to meet by chance and share the same name. The naive, friendly Nana is soon given the nickname Japanese people might call an eager puppy: Hachi. The worldly, sharp-tongued, intelligent one remains simply Nana. She's also a gifted singer, strongly ambitious and independent. Her lover is a brilliant and similarly ambitious guitarist, Ren, and both are driven to seek their own path. The struggle between these two powerful personalities is the most interesting aspect of the movie.

Although this movie deals with rock-n'-roll personalities and concerts, there is no drug-taking, wild sex or destructive behavior in general. The romance between Nana and Ren, although intense and demanding, is also respectful in mood. There are a couple of mild sex scenes, sweet rather than graphic. I liked the gradual way we come to understand the reasons why Nana and Ren have trusted only each other, their early histories, the ways by which they recovered from deep wounds. I like the way naive Hachi, who at first seems optimistic to the point of foolishness, gains wisdom and strength. It all develops naturally and convincingly.

Last but not least, the concert scenes are excellent. See it!

As someone who is fascinated by Japanese culture and Japanese social mores, I found this film to be a delight to watch. It has a bit of drama and humor with the roles of the two main characters, both named Nana, cast perfectly for the story (adapted from a very popular Japanese manga series of the same name: Nana, by Ai Yazawa). I first watched this film on Netflix and enjoyed it so much I had to buy it.

This movie is extremely good! Even my friends, who thought they weren't into foreign films or didn't want to read subtitles, absolutely LOVED it!

This movie is not only wonderfully made, it was romantic yet rock-filled!

I completely fell in love with it!

I can't believe I didn't pick up this movie sooner! It draws you in and you wish it would never end! The cast is great, the music is great, everything is just excellent. I have only one complaint though. The subtitles. They take far too many liberties in the translation. The story is still the same, but far too many times I'll read the subtitles and hear them speak and say, "That is not what so-and-so just said!" If you can, I recommend watching without. If you don't understand Japanese though, you (for obvious reasons) probably won't be affected by it. Don't hesitate, pick up this movie now!

This is an awesome movie. I have read the manga and the movie is very true to the story. I would not recommend the sequel, however, since it uses different actors wth the exception of Mika Nakashima. She is a singer in Japan and does a great job portraying Nana.

this movie gave me an addicting personality.

i read the first manga then heard about the movie and watched it. I laughed I cried then laughed some more.

i ordered the 2nd one on sunday and cant wait to recieve it today!!!

I would recommend this movie to anyone.

even if you dont like foreign films...my mother hates them but she is getting more and more into them..her current obsession..Moon child. Also another good movie!!

ENJOYYYY!