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'Burn' Explores Marginalized Youth in Tokyo
26 Jan
Summary
- Film spotlights Shinjuku's 'Tōyoko kids,' displaced youth.
- Director Makoto Nagahisa offers a new perspective on their lives.
- The movie is set to premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
Makoto Nagahisa's latest film, "Burn," delves into the lives of Tokyo's marginalized "Tōyoko kids." These displaced youths, often found in Shinjuku's entertainment district, face addiction, homelessness, and exploitation. Nagahisa aims to represent their experiences authentically, drawing from street interviews.
The film centers on Jurie, portrayed by Nana Mori, who escapes an abusive home by seeking help from a social media group. Her journey into the Tōyoko community introduces viewers to a cast of unique characters, each grappling with their own traumas and coping mechanisms.
Visually, "Burn" employs disorienting cinematography and an electronic score to capture the unsettling atmosphere of Shinjuku. The narrative shifts, drawing comparisons to "Love and Pop," as Jurie navigates the city's dangers in a desperate bid to save her sister.
Despite its raw portrayal, the film's latter half has been noted for leaning into bleak trauma tropes. However, its innovative blend of reality and digital artistry leaves a lasting impression. "Burn" premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and is currently seeking U.S. distribution.
