Movie Digest
What could be so extraordinary about an ordinary wife asking her ordinary husband a simple question. But if the wife is Rinko, the leader of a political party, and the husband is Hiyori an ornithologist (a bird expert); and the question is “If I become a Prime Minister, would it be troublesome for you?” One thing that can surely be concluded from the situation is that there is something weird about this combo. After listening to his wife’s wishful aspiration, Hiyori leaves for a ten days bird-watching and researching trip to Hokkaido where he would be oblivious to the happenings of the outside world due to lack of communication resources, only to return as the First Gentleman of the nation. Surprisingly, his wife Rinko has become the 1st Women Prime Minister of Japan. Now let’s check out their journey as they play their parts as the Prime Minister and the First Gentleman.
The Feel-Good Part
The character of the first gentleman is an ornithologist who is also an heir to one of the top corporates in Japan. He leaves this life to be away from the limelight and to lead a simple, peaceful life, only that his wife’s sudden change in authority takes everything back to square one. Things Hiyori does in order to cope up with all the unwanted attention from the masses while keeping himself sane at the same time have a different sense of comedy them. Also, the ‘awe’ moments when Hiyori extends his never-ending support and understanding towards his wife makes our hearts do somersaults. On the other hand, the role as the 1st female Prime Minister of Rinko, standing up against male chauvinists and destroying the patriarchal democracy is a fulfilling character for independent ladies.
The Disappointing Factor
As the female prime minister, one expects to see the struggles she faces while surviving the dominant male society, but we get to see nothing of that sort. Contrarily, somehow she is always busy tending to her husband’s problems. The point where we feel the story is developing into something interesting only sums up to become a big fiasco. The narrative does no justice to the exceptionally great characters and the excellent acting skills of the artists.
In-Depth Analysis
First Gentleman, is movie adapted from a novel by Maha Harada. It is worth a watch only, owing to the appreciable performance by its actors, especially Nakatani who portrays the role of Rinko. Her projection of feistiness and vulnerability of a woman is well vindicated. Although there is nothing much to look forward to in the movie, there are some gloomy and hilarious scenes once in a while, which are able to bring smile on your faces. Nevertheless, the understanding and support the couple shows regarding to each other’s circumstances is quite admirable and pleasing to the eye.
Star Power
As mentioned earlier, Miki Nakatani did an outstanding job as Rinko making us flow along with her emotions. The excellent depiction of Hiroko by Kei Tanaka and his popularity add up to the watchability of the picture. The extended casts also did a wonderful task playing their parts.
Overall Opinion
Recommended for the lovers of Strong Female Protagonist and a Supporting Male Protagonist confection and also Tanaka-Nakatani fans.
