The Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky (2025) by Haruhiko Arai Film Review

Key Takeaways

• Arai debuted at 50; returns with 2025 arthouse film
• Film premiered internationally at Hong Kong International Film Festival
• Black‑white aesthetic evokes 1960s Japanese New Wave
• Critics praise actresses but fault misogynistic lead and slow pace
• 122‑minute runtime may limit broader commercial appeal

Pulse Analysis

Haruhiko Arai, best known for his work on pink‑eiga scripts, has become a cult figure in Japan’s arthouse circles. His new film, debuting at the Hong Kong International Film Festival, taps into the visual language of the 1960s Japanese New Wave—grainy monochrome, stark compositions, and occasional splashes of red. By setting the narrative in 1969, Arai aligns his story with a historic moment when directors like Oshima and Imamura reshaped Japanese cinema, offering contemporary audiences a nostalgic yet fresh aesthetic experience.

The film’s core revolves around Katsuji Yazoe, a writer whose misogynistic worldview clashes with the evolving social attitudes of the late 1960s. Through three distinct female characters—a seasoned prostitute, an art‑school student, and a teenage muse—Arai probes the lingering patriarchal mindset while exposing its emotional fragility. The deliberate pacing, extended text overlays, and experimental framing challenge conventional storytelling, inviting viewers to reflect on how outdated gender scripts persist in modern culture. This thematic tension resonates with current debates on representation and the male gaze in media.

From an industry perspective, the movie’s festival debut positions it for limited‑release runs in art‑house theaters and potential streaming deals targeting cinephile audiences. While critics applaud the strong performances and visual homage, they note the slow tempo and protagonist’s unlikable traits may hinder broader appeal. Nonetheless, the film adds to the growing catalog of Japanese works that blend retro aesthetics with contemporary critique, providing distributors with a distinctive product that can differentiate their slate in a crowded global market.