Aristocrats, the so-called highest class of the society are the ultimate and the ruling class. Set in the backdrop where aristocrats are the decision makers of the social system in Tokyo, Japan, Yukiko Sode’s Aristocrats addresses the status of women in the society. A whopping two hours and four minutes long, Aristocrats is a drama that tells the story of two women from different social backgrounds. Hanako Haibara, played by Mugi Kadowaki, the youngest of an aristocratic and influential Tokyo family is considered as a disappointment after she broke up with her fiancé. The family then tries to set her up with other suitors. Unmarried and single at twenty seven is a grave situation for Hanako according to her family. Conversely, Miki Tokioka, played by Kiko Mizuhara, grew up in a poor middle class family. She provides for herself and work her way up to secure a place in the prestigious Keio University. But Miki is forced to drop out so that she can support her poor family.
Hanako Haibara, although, is an aristocrat is not free from the social ritual of getting married and producing an heir. Her family is anxious to marry her off. In compliance, Hanako goes for dates in search of a potential husband. In no time Hanako becomes engaged to Koichiro, played by Kengo Kora, with immense pressure from the family. On the other hand Miki, who grew up in the poor province is more about career than finding husbands. She is independent, carefree and bold. Hanako learns that her fiancé Koichiro has a close relationship with the event planner Miki. This is where the lives of the two women collided. Hanako’s friend Itsuko, played by Shizuka Ishibashi, introduces the two women. However, instead of finding faults with each other, Hanako and miki connects. Both of them realises that no matter their social classes they both remain the second class citizens because of their gender.
Adapted from the novel by Mariko Yamauchi, Aristocrats is compelling and female-focussed. Hanako is quiet and shy. Miki is bold and independent. Hanako is rich and privileged. Miki is poor and struggling. Through the lives of Hanako and Miki, the film Aristocrats addresses the issue social class division in Tokyo. A dialogue from the film reads, “Tokyo is compartmentalised. You only meet people from your own social class.” People moves up and down the aristocratic ladder, but Yukiko Sode, propounds that there is more to being born an aristocrat than wealth. An aristocrat means you have fame, wealth, connection and power. It’s all these elements combined that makes an aristocrat and not just money. In the film Aristocrats, we see people like Hanako and Miki constantly being unable to escape from the social ritual that society places on them. Rich or poor, both have to bow down to the societal norms.
Aristocrats by Yukiko Sode addresses the communication problem which the classes face. Hanako, before she married Koichiro, goes on multiple dates to find a husband. One of her dates is a common man whom her manicurist sets her up with. In that dingy restaurant, Hanako is unable to neither eat nor communicate with her date. We see class disparity at its peak here. On the other hand Miki, finds it difficult to hang out with her aristocratic classmates. She wonders with amazement on seeing the expensive restaurant bills that her aristocratic classmates dine at. Miki could never seem to come to a meeting point with her aristocratic classmates.
At the end of the day, neither Hanako nor Miki seem to break free from the social class that they are born into. But what materialise at the end is that these women go on to find something of their own that makes them happy. In a word, they are able to embrace the confinement by making something each out of it. Hanako finds her ultimate happiness in divorcing and going on to start a career of her own by managing her violinist friend, Itsuko. On the other hand, Miki, fighting against all odds is able to find fulfilment in living one day at a time. She went on to partner up with her best friend Rie Hirata, played by Rio Yamashita, and set up their own business. Aristocrats may be a film of class but it subtly hints that despite the classes in society one can always find peace in friendship.
Aristocrats has a beautiful casts. Mugi Kadowaki with her versatility aces in bringing out the best of her character. A calm and quiet Hanako perfectly enacted out by Mugi Kadowaki is commendable. On the other we have Kiko Mizuhara, a Japanese born American model who nails her character, an outgoing and struggling person. We have Kengo Kora as Koichiko. Kengo Kora is such a versatile actor that his acting skills are natural and effortless. The rest of the cast also brings out the best in each character.
Sode’s Aristocrats opens a world to the elite Japan society where the position of women and disparity in social classes are questioned. Aristocrat is a good watch. It makes you ponder on the roles of women in the society. It is captivating and intriguing with good acting projection from the entire cast. Watch this to get a hang of the Japan elite society.
This film is scheduled to première in India at the Japanese Film Festival Online 2022 February 14-27, 2022. You can watch this film for free of cost at https://watch.jff.jpf.go.jp/