Movie Reviews: Junihitoe Wo Kita Akuma

1 Hrs 52 Mins

Rating

★★★★

Duration

1 Hrs 52 Mins

Movie Digest

Rai is a disgruntled college student and part-time laborer who has been unable to find suitable employment. He also has a younger brother who is significantly superior to him in every way, be it academics or appearance. Rai was listening to Tale of Genji while working part-time at an exhibition. Because there are two brothers in the story, he found it relatable.

He decided to wander around a bit on his way home from the exhibition, and while doing so, he noticed a light. He took a few steps towards it, and in an instant, he was somewhere else. It was the Heian period, as shown in the Tale of Genji.

He recognized it from the pamphlet, and because he had headache medications on hand at the moment, he was employed as onmyoji of the capital by the empress Noyogo kokiden, a bright and daring lady who had only one goal in life: to make her son emperor. Will Rai be able to return to his era after he is selected as onmyoji? Will the emperor’s wife’s quest be successful?

 The Feel-Good Part

The editing and setup were both excellent and atmospheric, giving the film a historical feel. The cinematography, clothing, and set design were responsible for the film’s overall feel. Noyogo’s character, with her cleverness and love for her kid, was also one of my favorites. I admire her and Rai’s bond, which is pure and based on trust.  The visuals were fantastic. I also appreciate the fact that, rather than having a male protagonist, they chose a woman, particularly from the ancient past. It is good, which makes the movie a lot better, unlike every other movie full of trite romanticism. I appreciate the filmmakers’ attempt to innovate with this film.

 The Disappointing Factor

Because the movie was more about visuals than acting, I felt the acting was a little lackluster at times. With so many narratives, the movie can be a little confusing for spectators.

The ending also felt a little incomplete because they didn’t explain what happened in the Genji world. It’s quite serious and not in the least bit amusing.

 In-Depth Analysis

Rai had failed at least 59 times before finding part-time employment at an exhibition, and on his way back, he saw a light and became locked in it, and after a while, he was in the Heian period. Noyogo wishes for her son to be emperor, but the emperor has other intentions. Kiritsubo, the mother of Genji, a young man significantly better than her Kokiden’s son, has put her ambitions at risk because he was obsessed with his concubine. However, after appointing Rai as the capital onmyoji, she places her trust in him. Rai was in such high spirits that the empress put her trust in him

While the film is separated into several sections, including the empress’s goal, Rai’s inferiority complex, and his return to the modern realm, as well as a little portion of his relationship with court lady Rinko.

While it appears that Rai is the true protagonist, I believe it was Noyogo, since while she has her cleverness in the narrative, she was presented as a mother who would do anything for her kid, even sacrifice herself for him. Noyogo is a tough lady who is not frightened of anyone and who is willing to put her trust in others.l, including Rai. When the plot concentrates upon Rai, it demonstrates how his character has changed through time. As his character matures, he begins to recognize a sense of responsibility toward himself and others. The story also depicts the ancient court as political, with each harboring its secrets. Finally, there’s Rai’s romance with Rinko. It was cheesy, cute and a little cliche at the same time. The memorable and beautiful scene is the forest one. Despite the rushed nature of the sequences, I believe the writers should have placed more emphasis on his relationship with Rinko, as I believe this would have given his character more depth. Even though the chemistry was excellent.

 Star Power

Ayaka Miyoshi was ideal for the part; her elegance and outstanding performance made her truly magnificent. Because of the kimonos, her character seemed more authentic and majestic.

Kentaro Ito performed a wonderful job as Rai, but the character was a little demanding and required a lot of depth, so I think they should have recruited someone else. I loved how Sairi Itoh portrayed Rinko; she was well-suited to her role. Her innocence, charm, and beauty fit the character perfectly, and his and Rai’s chemistry was fantastic.

 Overall Opinion

The Devil Wears Jini-Hitoe Kimono” is directed by Hitomi Kuroki, a seasoned actress turned director. I believe the show is more about its alluring aesthetics than it is about performance, which makes it a lot better. This drama is for you if you want to watch a female lead in a historical drama without a lot of romantic scenes.