Nana Vol. 1

This is a coming of age story set around two 20-year-old women living in Tokyo, trying to find themselves in a world of possiblities and all the while learning about love and their own limitations. I must say that after watching this film on a long journey home from a year abroad, I found the story very relatable and poignant.
I read one of the reviews and I have to set the record straight and divulge my own opinion because I do not agree in the slightest to the accusation that women are portrayed as submissive, and if you watch this film I am sure you will agree it is quite the opposite! For people who have not already seen this movie and are planning to, there might be some spoilers ahead (but what I have to say might just sway you into wanting to pick up a copy).
First off, Osaki Nana (played be Mika) is incredibly strong! She copes silently with the pain of having let go of the love of her life in order to pursue her own life goals, and in that way is courageous. She is never demonized for her decision, and in fact is respected for her talent, tenacity, confidence, and strong will to succeed through writing her own music (rather than riding the coat-tails of her successful boyfriend who sold-out to a pop band!)
By nature, the other Nana played by Aoi is more naive about the ways of life and through inexperience, believes that a woman should sacrifice for her beau, only to discover through later heartbreak that she would like to make her own mark on the world and admires the other Nana for having found her true calling. I highly recommend seeing NANA for yourself and if you visit the fansite, you can view trailers and clips.
In addition, I find the cinematography and time-sequencing of shots effectively communicates a story of innocence with an adult edge.
I believe that the first reviewer may have misinterpreted the message being given by this film, for it truly packs a punch of girl power (and I can honestly say my male friends have loved it as well!)
In my view, it is impossible not to notice the urgings of one Nana to another to stand on her own feet and create her OWN destiny in order to find true happiness; love falls into place only after you have paid attention to your dreams.

*On a side note (SPOILER), despite the view of Junko that Nana (Aoi) was partially at fault for a sticky break-up, her former lover Shoji is STILL given blame for his betrayal in the relationship! Watch it again reviewer number one!

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.

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.)