SPECIALS – Nana Movies

Nana / Nana 2
directed by: Kentaro Otani
released: 2005 / 2006
main cast:
Nakashima Mika as Oosaki Nana
Miyazaki Aoi as Komatsu Nana (Nana)
Ichikawa Yui as Komatsu Nana (Nana 2)
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“Ne Nana…”

Hm. The movies with the infamous actress switch.

Let’s start by saying that I have never finished the manga nor have I finished watching the anime. My intention for watching the first movie was because of my excitement for the second one because cute Kanata Hongo is in it.

Now, let’s begin with Nana.

Nana is originally a manga created by Yazawa Ai (also famous for Paradise Kiss among others). Its title comes from the names of the two protagonists (Komatsu Nana and Oosaki Nana) and the story obviously follows the lives of these two women.

As for the first movie, it’s really not bad as far as these types of movies go. The strength comes mostly from Miyazaki Aoi’s darned cheerfulness and knee-melting smile. It’s a lovely piece of friendship chick flick with a soundtrack that made Nakashima Mika a bit more famous.

Nakashima Mika might not be a spectacular actress but her chemistry with Miyazaki Aoi is enough to give the movie a great run. The story is about friendship despite the differences between the two Nanas and the two actresses played the parts quite well, showing how the two personalities complement each other.

The supporting characters are given minimal parts, so fans of Nobu or Shin would be quite disappointed. The costumes are great though and it was enough to make me spend a thousand on a rockin’ Nana plaid skirt.

Komatsu Nana’s ending line was truly wonderful and it was a successful way of ending a good movie.

Hm. Now for Nana 2.

Well, a lot of drama began even before the movie was shown. I really didn’t follow it but there was much controversy about the role of Komatsu Nana.

With that in mind, I watched Nana 2. I seriously (with all honesty) wanted to like the movie. I did not want to have any bias against Ichikawa Yui nor was I overly critical of her. If any, I felt bad for her and truly wanted to appreciate whatever kind of Komatsu Nana she was going to show me.

And my totally unbiased opinion is… she was not that good. I would even dare say that she was bad.

As I mentioned, Miyazaki Aoi was practically glowing. So cheerful.

Ichikawa Yui cried. A lot. I partially blame the writers. Komatsu Nana is badly portrayed in this movie. She is supposed to come out as complex and tough but that idea kind of just sinks.

Moreover, the movie wasn’t even sure where it was going story-wise. Nana is about Nana and Nana. Friendship and junk like that. The second movie misses this point completely. Hrm, well, except for the nice shot of the two Nanas watching fireworks in the ending scenes. If they’d done a second movie with that kind of relationship in mind, it would have been so much more bearable to watch.

But Kanata Hongo was so much fun to look at. So the second movie isn’t a complete waste if you’re one of his fans (as I am). Hiroki Norimiya was great in both movies and the second movie was really fortunate to have him.

My final verdict is… Nana is a great movie. Nana 2 is for obsessive-compulsive people who need to watch it or risk a lot of sleep loss. Or you know, curious people who want to see what all the criticism is about.
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Nana Movie Official Website: http://www.nana-movie.com/
Nana 2 Movie Official Website: http://www.nana2-movie.com/