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Nobody Knows is a wonderful and undeniably touching film that captures the beauty of cinema, of childhood, and of living. This film is pretty simple, yet it moved me to endless emotional depths. Nobody Knows is the 5th feature film from the brilliant Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda, and it marks yet another extraordinary film. Koreeda's direction is fascinating. Using a somber and patient approach, the film quietly absorbs the viewer with it's emotions and imagery. Kore-eda incorporates some stunning photography to set the mood, including a heavy use of close-ups. Telling a real-life story, Nobody Knows has a deeply authentic look and feel. The performances are outstanding by the actors, most notably by the young 14 year old Yuya Ygira, as Akira the oldest of four who is forced to take care of his siblings in their apartment. The film is heart-wrenching more and more with each scene until it reaches a painfully tragic moment that is masterfully expressed by Kore-eda simply through a close-up of hands. Ultimately the film examines the essence of childhood and what they do in a world of their own. The title works as a metaphor for these children who live alone and in a world without adults. It respects the characters with true humanity and compassion, and the viewer will both emotionally connect and relate with them. It's a film that will definitely touch those who experience it, and won't be forgotten. Nobody Knows is an equally haunting and beautiful film from a master filmmaker.
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