Still Walking (2008)

Brief Intro

“Still Walking” (2008) is a Japanese film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, renowned for his poignant storytelling and deep exploration of family dynamics. The film follows the Yokoyama family as they gather to commemorate the death of the eldest son, exploring themes of loss, memory, and familial bonds.

Literary Devices Used in Still Walking

1. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The recurring scenes of the yellow butterfly	The butterfly symbolizes the presence of the deceased son.
The use of the old family house	The house symbolizes the family’s history and shared memories.

2. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
The family pretending to be happy	Verbal irony as their words contrast their true feelings.
The grandfather’s coldness towards Ryota	Situational irony as one expects warmth from a family elder.

3. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Early discussions about life and death	Foreshadows later revelations about the family’s losses.
The preparation of traditional dishes	Hints at the importance of tradition and memory in the family.

4. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The sea metaphor throughout the film	Represents the flow of life and inevitability of change.
The worn-out family photos	Metaphor for fading memories and the passage of time.

5. Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Constant reference to food	Food as a motif signifies nourishment and cultural heritage.
The recurring image of the empty streets	Represents isolation and the passage of time.

6. Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
The entire family gathering	Allegory for the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.
Conversations about the deceased son	Allegory for unresolved grief and familial expectations.

7. Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Happy childhood memories vs. current tensions	Juxtaposition highlights the changes within the family.
The serene environment vs. internal family conflicts	Enhances the contrast between appearance and reality.

8. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to traditional Japanese rituals	Allusions to cultural heritage and continuity.
Discussions about the son’s achievements	Alludes to societal expectations and personal failure.

9. Flashback

Movie Scene	Device Example
Flashbacks to the son’s childhood	Provides context and emotional depth to the present-day narrative.
Memories of family gatherings	Adds layers to the characters’ current interactions and feelings.

10. Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
Descriptions of the summer landscape	Vivid imagery sets the tone and mood of the film.
Detailed depiction of traditional meals	Enhances the sensory experience and cultural richness.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Ryota

Device	Explanation
Irony	Ryota’s strained relationship with his father contrasts with his desire for approval.
Symbolism	His awkwardness at family events symbolizes his sense of alienation.

Toshiko

Device	Explanation
Motif	Her constant cooking represents her role as the family’s emotional anchor.
Foreshadowing	Early interactions hint at her deeper grief and unspoken sorrow.

Kyohei

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	His stern exterior vs. moments of vulnerability reveal his complex emotions.
Metaphor	His attachment to the family house symbolizes his resistance to change.

Character Dynamics

• Ryota and Kyohei: Their strained relationship, marked by Kyohei’s disappointment in Ryota, drives much of the film’s tension. Literary devices like irony and juxtaposition highlight their conflicting emotions and unspoken desires.
• Ryota and Yukari: Their relationship brings a softer dynamic, contrasting with Ryota’s interactions with his parents. Symbolism in their conversations often reflects themes of hope and moving forward.

Thematic Analysis

Grief and Memory

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The yellow butterfly symbolizes the lingering presence of the deceased son.
Flashback	Flashbacks provide insight into the family’s past, deepening the theme of memory.

Family Expectations

Device	Explanation
Irony	The father’s disappointment contrasts with Ryota’s accomplishments, highlighting societal pressures.
Allegory	The family gatherings serve as an allegory for societal and familial expectations.

Passage of Time

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	The sea metaphor emphasizes the relentless passage of time and life’s continuity.
Motif	Recurring references to food signify tradition and the continuity of life.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Visual motifs	Use of recurring symbols like the butterfly to visually represent deeper themes.
Irony	Dialogue and acting	Subtle performances and dialogue that reveal the characters’ true feelings.
Foreshadowing	Editing and pacing	Slow pacing and careful editing to hint at future events and revelations.
Metaphor	Cinematography	Visual metaphors like the sea are captured through sweeping camera shots.
Motif	Sound design	Repeated sound motifs like traditional music to reinforce cultural themes.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene 1: Family Dinner

Family Dinner Scene

Breakdown:

• Literary Devices: Symbolism, irony, and metaphor.
• Analysis: This scene captures the essence of the family’s dynamics, using the meal as a symbol of unity and tradition. The irony in their cheerful conversation contrasts with underlying tensions. Metaphors in the dialogue reflect their unspoken feelings about the past and future.

Scene 2: Conversation by the Sea

Conversation by the Sea Scene

Breakdown:

• Literary Devices: Metaphor, imagery, and foreshadowing.
• Analysis: The serene setting juxtaposes with the intense emotional exchange, highlighting the metaphor of the sea as life’s continuity. The vivid imagery of the landscape enhances the scene’s emotional impact, while their conversation foreshadows future revelations about their relationships.

Conclusion

To wrap up, here’s an interactive quiz to test your understanding of the literary devices used in “Still Walking.”

Quiz:

1. Which literary device is used to represent the deceased son?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Symbolism
   • C) Irony
2. What does the sea metaphor symbolize?
   • A) Isolation
   • B) Life’s continuity
   • C) Family tradition
3. How is irony depicted in the film?
   • A) Through visual motifs
   • B) Through dialogue and acting
   • C) Through sound design

Answers:

1. B) Symbolism
2. B) Life’s continuity
3. B) Through dialogue and acting