Original Title: 月光はささやく | Sasayaki | Moonlight Whispers
Release: 1999
Country: Japan
Director: Akihiko Shiota
Running Time: 100 Min.
Cast: Tsugumi | Kenji Mizuhashi
Written by Miguel Douglas
Published: 04.18.08
The first film from director Akihiko Shiota (Harmful Insect, Canary, and Dororo), Moonlight Whispers tells the rather bizarre tale of two young teenagers who must confront their differences as well as confront themselves. The film is based on the manga of the same name by author Masahiko Kikumi.
Moonlight Whispers follows teenagers Takuya Hidaka (Kenji Mizuhashi) and Satsuki Kitahara (Tsugumi)—both members of their school’s kendo club. Satsuki is the club’s most respected member and is admired by many, including that of the somewhat shy Takuya, who harbors tremendous feelings for Satsuki. What we soon discover is that Takuya and Satsuki feel the same way for one another. When Takuya confesses his love for Satsuki, they begin to date and quite happily grow closer as time passes. Things unexpectedly change when Satsuki discovers that Takuya has been collecting her underwear, secretly taking photos of her, and recording her most intimate moments on tape. Horrified, Satsuki decides to break the relationship off, only to have Takuya beg her into staying together, even going as far as declaring himself as Satsuki’s “dog”—pledging his total submission and obedience to her will. When Satsuki begins to date another classmate, she does so only to hurt Takuya, but she surprisingly discovers that she is ultimately only giving into Takuya’s urges. What Satsuki soon discovers is that she finds “pleasure” in inflicting emotional pain upon Takuya…thus beginning a rather strange relationship between the two former lovers.
Moonlight Whispers is a very difficult film to digest simply due to the various complex subject matters it addresses—voyeurism, stalking, and emotional deviance all play a significant role in our observation of the two characters within the film, Takuya and Satsuki. Within the first five minutes of “Moonlight Whispers”, we’re abruptly introduced to the rather “disturbing” fetishes that Takuya has acquired for his lusting of Satuski. When Takuya unexpectedly receives Satsuki as his girlfriend—a wish most desired by him and finally fulfilled—we begin to notice a drastic change in his behavior. He begins to realize that his previously emotional distancing from Satsuki is something he actually prefers rather than being her boyfriend. The same with Satsuki—her transformation stemming from a kind and gentle person into an individual who enjoys inflicting mental anguish upon Takuya is vividly explored. What once starts out as an innocent relationship, “Moonlight Whispers” soon twists into a destructive yet poignant tale of two people who are on a journey of self discovery.
What is most prominently focused upon in Moonlight Whispers is the inner turmoil that Takuya and Satsuki endure—more prominently in Satsuki—regarding their increasingly awkward relationship. This is so realistically envisioned by director Akihiko Shiota that at times it’s absolutely heart wrenching to watch. For example, when Satsuki emotionally proclaims to Taukya “I just wanted to live a normal life and have a normal relationship”, it’s extremely riveting to the viewer not only for the emotional punch it provides, but also because of the heartfelt performances that the two film leads deliver. These moments are certainly heighten due to director Shiota’s rather “voyeuristic” approach to filming Moonlight Whispers, perfectly capturing the intimacy and obscure nature of the films overall atmosphere.
To say that Moonlight Whispers is a brutally honest film would be a gross understatement. Director Akihiko Shiota doesn’t provide any easy answers to the complicated questions raised within the film, not even to the characters. It’s this element that makes it such a beautifully complex film, delivering a powerful cinematic experience. Utterly devastating and ultimately adventurous, Moonlight Whispers is a film that is definitely worthy of your attention.
