"Even now, I keep calling your name..."
Jinx LeFroy | USA | 04/10/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Great combination of life, love, and rock and roll
G. Parreno | bny | 05/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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.)"
Light-hearted fun with a side of Tokyo Cool
Thomas Loveday | Brisbane, Australia | 07/02/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"To read the synopsis, and from watching the first 5 minutes or so, you might be put off this film by how trivial it appears. And, well, it IS a trivial movie. Not much happens and you know how things will end in the end but that's part of its charm. It doesn't take itself too seriously and at its heart is a very sweet tale of friendship between two quite different young women. Basically, the 3 star rating is for people who, like me, are interested in Japan and the Japanese music scene. In the same way that a lover of Japan would have had a greater appreciation for Lost in Translation than the average cinema goer. Personally, I'm ordering the sequel, aptly titled Nana 2, but if Japanese culture (particularly J-rock) doesn't do it for you, you'd be best looking elsewhere."