Nana

NANA

20051h 53m Directed by Kentaro Otani
6.7
(102 votes)
RomanceDramaMusic

Overview

Two girls named Nana meet on a train to Tokyo. Nana K. aims to reunite with her boyfriend and Nana O. hopes to make it big in the music business. Despite their differences, the pair hit it off and become roommates.

Nana

A Melodic Exploration of Dreams and Disillusionment

Maya Ellison
Maya EllisonDec 9, 2025
The 2005 film "Nana" is a poignant and introspective exploration of two young women's lives, set against the vibrant backdrop of Tokyo's music scene. The movie tells the story of two girls, both named Nana, who meet by chance on a train and become roommates, despite their vastly different backgrounds and aspirations. Nana K. is a free-spirited and romantic young woman, who has come to Tokyo to reunite with her boyfriend, while Nana O. is a determined and ambitious musician, seeking to make a name for herself in the city's competitive music industry. As the story unfolds, the two Nanas form a deep and abiding bond, supporting and encouraging each other through the trials and tribulations of their lives.

The film's greatest strength lies in its thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of the complexities of female friendship and the challenges of pursuing one's dreams in a rapidly changing world. The characters of Nana K. and Nana O. are richly drawn and multidimensional, with each actress bringing a unique energy and vulnerability to her role. The movie's use of music as a narrative device is also noteworthy, with the characters' experiences and emotions often expressed through the songs they sing and the music they listen to. The film's soundtrack, which features a mix of rock, pop, and punk influences, is equally impressive, adding depth and texture to the movie's emotional landscape.

One of the most striking aspects of "Nana" is its unflinching portrayal of the difficulties and disillusionments that can accompany the pursuit of one's passions. The film does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of the music industry, or the challenges of maintaining relationships in the face of uncertainty and change. At the same time, however, the movie remains ultimately hopeful and uplifting, suggesting that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility for growth, transformation, and connection with others. Overall, "Nana" is a beautiful and affecting film, one that will resonate deeply with viewers who have ever chased their dreams, or struggled to find their place in the world. With its strong performances, memorable soundtrack, and thoughtful exploration of the human experience, "Nana" is a must-see for fans of music, drama, and romance.

CAST

Mika Nakashima
Mika Nakashima
Nana Osaki
Aoi Miyazaki
Aoi Miyazaki
Nana Komatsu (Hachi)
Kenichi Matsuyama
Kenichi Matsuyama
Shinichi Okazaki
Ryuhei Matsuda
Ryuhei Matsuda
Ren Honjou
Tetsuji Tamayama
Tetsuji Tamayama
Takumi Ichinose
Tomomi Maruyama
Tomomi Maruyama
Yasushi Takagi
Saeko
Saeko
Sachiko Kawamura
Yuna Ito
Reira Serizawa
Momosuke Mizutani
Momosuke Mizutani
Naoki Fujieda
Anna Nose
Anna Nose
Junko Saotome

Trailer

Recent Reviews

Samurai Rebellion

Samurai Rebellion

Feb 2, 2026

"Samurai Rebellion" is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that delves into the complexit...

Harakiri

Harakiri

Feb 2, 2026

"Harakiri" is a masterpiece of Japanese cinema that has stood the test of time, its themes and messa...

1987: When the Day Comes

1987: When the Day Comes

Feb 2, 2026

The 2017 South Korean film "1987: When the Day Comes" is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that...

O.J.: Made in America

O.J.: Made in America

Feb 2, 2026

The 2016 documentary "O.J.: Made in America" is a sprawling, meticulously crafted epic that delves i...

Das Boot

Das Boot

Feb 2, 2026

"Das Boot" is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, plunging its audience into the claustrophob...

The Untold History Of The United States

The Untold History Of The United States

Feb 2, 2026

The Untold History of the United States, a documentary series directed by Oliver Stone, is a thought...

Shoah

Shoah

Feb 2, 2026

Claude Lanzmann's "Shoah" is a monumental and unflinching documentary that delves into the atrocitie...

El Apocalipsis de san Juan

El Apocalipsis de san Juan

Feb 2, 2026

"El Apocalipsis de San Juan" is a visually stunning documentary that delves into the apocalyptic vis...

Twenty Years Later

Twenty Years Later

Feb 2, 2026

"Twenty Years Later" is a documentary that defies conventional storytelling, instead opting for a de...

Mikaela

Mikaela

Jan 7, 2026

"Mikaela" is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that takes full advantage of its unique setting - ...

Bureau 749

Bureau 749

Jan 7, 2026

"Bureau 749" is a thought-provoking science fiction film that delves into the life of a traumatized ...

Anaconda

Anaconda

Jan 7, 2026

The 2025 release of Anaconda brings a fresh twist to the classic horror-adventure genre, blending el...