Norwegian Wood Reflection Brittany Olson

     I honestly did not have high hopes at all for this movie. Norwegian Wood is probably my least favorite Murakami novel so far. I felt like the characters were not developed enough (especially Midori) and primarily used as a foil for Toru's own growth. Almost on the level of a Manic Pixie Dream Girl aesthetic before the trope was even created. I also felt that the dialogue was almost painful to read at times and I really struggled to finish the book.

     The movie didn't fair much better. Strictly from a film perspective, I thought there were a lot of really interesting and beautiful shots. However, the decisions made when adapting the book left a lot to be desired. The pacing was extremely rushed and jarring at times. I think the movie was more focused on romance to appeal to audiences as well as contrasting Naoko and Midori's view on life, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, to fit in a 2 hour run time, a lot of the scenes that make the characters more sympathetic are left out. The scene about Midori's father seemed pointless with how short they cut multiple pages into a 15 second scene of Toru just staring at him. None of Toru's actual interactions with him, or the harshness towards Midori in the hospital room was shown, which is really disappointing as this was one of the scenes in the book that gave both characters more depth. Even Reiko becomes so vague and washed out as a character in this movie compared to the book that none of her decisions carry any weight or understanding for the audience. I also think a big part of understanding Toru and Nagasawa as characters comes through the discussion at dinner with Hatsumi, especially Nagasawa claiming that they are the same, Toru just hasn't realized yet. Of course that was not included. Overall I think the film adaptation might have been biting off more than it could chew, as well as focusing on the wrong details to get the story across. 

    I'm kind of disappointed that I didn't enjoy this story, as when talking about Murakami, so many people claim this to be his masterpiece. If I read this back in middle school or even high school I probably would have liked it more. I just feel like Murakami has so much more to offer in his other work.

-Brittany Olson