Tokyo!

Tokyo!

Year: 2009

Runtime: 112 min

Language: French

Directors: Joon-ho Bong, Leos Carax

Drama

This cinematic tribute to Tokyo presents a vibrant portrait of the city through the perspectives of three directors. The film interweaves various stories, revealing the everyday lives and unexpected moments of its diverse population. From ordinary routines to surreal encounters, the movie captures the intricate connections between people and the ever-changing landscape of this dynamic metropolis, showcasing its unique spirit and defying conventional expectations.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Tokyo! (2009)

Trace every key event in Tokyo! (2009) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction of Hiroko and Akira

The film starts by introducing Hiroko and Akira, a young couple living in Tokyo. They face the challenges of the bustling city while trying to maintain their love and support for each other despite financial stress.

Tokyo
2

Struggles with Living Conditions

Hiroko and Akira are struggling with unstable living arrangements and financial limitations. To cope with their situation, they temporarily move into the cramped apartment of Hiroko's friend, Akemi, which offers them some respite.

Akemi's Apartment, Tokyo
3

Searching for New Housing

After a while, Akemi's boyfriend becomes tired of Hiroko and Akira staying at their place. In search of a new living arrangement, Hiroko embarks on a daunting quest to find affordable housing in an increasingly unaffordable city.

Tokyo
4

Akira's Film Screening

Akira holds a screening for his debut film, which receives mixed reviews from the audience. A critical comment about the nature of an artist's struggle resonates with Hiroko, who begins to feel the weight of their shared creative aspirations.

Film Screening Venue, Tokyo
5

Hiroko's Doubts

In the aftermath of the film screening, Hiroko is left grappling with her feelings of invisibility and doubt about her role in Akira's life. This moment marks the beginning of her internal struggle between love and individual identity.

Tokyo
6

The Shocking Transformation

Hiroko wakes up one morning to discover a terrifying hole in her chest, illuminating her life with the harsh light of reality. The realization that there is a wooden pole running through the hole horrifies her and marks the beginning of an alarming transformation.

Their Apartment, Tokyo
7

Complete Transformation

As time passes, Hiroko's transformation intensifies and she finds herself reduced to an inanimate chair. This surreal change symbolizes her feelings of worthlessness and the struggle against being overlooked in her relationship and in life.

Tokyo
8

Attempts to Reclaim Humanity

In a desperate bid to reclaim her humanity, Hiroko chooses to sit on the street as a chair. Despite her transformation, she encounters a kind-hearted musician who recognizes her plight and offers her shelter in his home.

Tokyo Street
9

Composing a Farewell

In her new safe space, Hiroko begins to write a farewell letter to Akira, expressing her hopes for him to pursue his filmmaking dreams without her. This letter serves as a poignant reflection of her love and the painful realization of her circumstance.

Musician's Apartment, Tokyo
10

Introduction of Merde

Another storyline introduces Merde, a grotesque figure who emerges from the sewers of Tokyo, instilling fear in the public with outrageous acts. This juxtaposition against Hiroko's story introduces a bizarre chaos amidst the struggles of urban life.

Tokyo Sewers
11

The Trial of Merde

Merde is apprehended and faces a highly publicized trial led by Magistrate Maître Voland. The trial descends into surreal confusion, illuminating the absurdity of justice in a world marked by chaos.

Tokyo Court
12

Merde's Escape

Despite being sentenced to death, Merde escapes execution by retreating back into the safety of the sewer. His ability to evade capture adds to the surreal narrative of the film, showcasing the contrasts within the city's chaos.

Tokyo Sewers
13

The Hikikomori's Isolation

Parallel to Hiroko's journey, Teruyuki Kagawa plays a hikikomori who has isolated himself for years. His life revolves around phone calls for delivery services, highlighting the severe impact of social withdrawal in urban society.

His Apartment, Tokyo
14

A Transformative Encounter

The hikikomori's mundane life is disrupted when a new delivery girl arrives, captivating him with her warmth. This encounter ignites a longing for connection, contrasting starkly with his otherwise solitary existence.

Tokyo
15

Earthquake and Vulnerability

An earthquake strikes, forcing the hikikomori to confront his fears of the outside world when the delivery girl faints. This event propels him to finally venture outside, symbolizing the fragility of human connections and the impacts of hidden struggles.

Tokyo, during the earthquake

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 18:53

Unlock the Full Story of Tokyo!

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Tokyo! Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Tokyo!, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Tokyo! Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Tokyo!

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Tokyo!. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Tokyo!

Tokyo! Spoiler-Free Summary

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Tokyo! Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Tokyo!

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Tokyo!: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Tokyo!

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