Starting over

Less coming of age or coming out story as it is a stark portrait of isolation, Takashi Nishihara’s microbudget Starting Over follows nineteen year-old Nana (Mika Akizuki) in her struggle to survive in a society that has stacked the odds against her. Shot independently, guerilla-style, the resulting film is compelling albeit slightly rough around the edges.

The beginning of each year is a time for reevaluation, renewal, and resolutions. Every year, millions of people decide to turn over a new leaf in one part of their lives or another, to finally quit smoking, to keep to the budget this time, to get to the gym more often. Yes, many will slide …