Midnight Swan
Midnight Swan is a 2020 Japanese drama film directed by Eiji Uchida, who also wrote the screenplay. It received nine nominations at the 44th [Japan Academy Film Prize], including Director of the Year and Japan Academy Film Prize for [Screenplay of the Year|Screenplay of the Year], winning for Picture of the Year, Japan Academy Film Prize for [Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role|Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role], and Newcomer of the Year.
Plot
Nagisa is a transgender woman. Growing up as a man in Hiroshima, Nagisa faces prejudice and is ostracized by society. She leaves Hiroshima and lives in Tokyo where she works as a dancer in a nightclub. Her distant niece, Ichika, is a middle school student neglected by her mother. After being kicked out of her home, Ichika travels to Tokyo and starts living with Nagisa. Although initially reluctant, Nagisa takes Ichika in and eventually starts to care for the shy, isolated child. In return, Ichika slowly starts to open up, helped in part by her love of ballet.
Reception
Writing for The Japan Times, Mark Schilling gave the movie a positive review, calling it "a gloomy drama, with moments of realism and grace". Matthew Hernon of the same publication praised the portrayal of transgender issues and individualism through dance.
Accolades