Cure

In Japanese, there is a notion of tatemae (建前), which literally translates to “built front” meaning a public persona or a facade that people put on whilst living in a society, taught to you from a very young age. As a foreigner who was born and raised in Japan, I was always unnerved by this concept, and the overwhelming politeness of Japanese people which so many people praise as being a perfect example of a harmonious society which upholds rules, etiquettes, and avoidance of confrontation. Yet, I was always afraid that these masks the others and I wore every single day would one day fall, and we will have to face its consequences. This film is a perfect example of what happens when as the title suggests, someone brings a “cure” to this ailment, literally breaking the facades people have created to uphold this arbitrary notion of humanity and moral compass we have created for ourselves. Perhaps it should teach us more than anything to be honest with ourselves and others, and also seek therapy!!