Watch Ainu Mosir

Ainu Mosir is a 2020 American-Japanese movie directed by Takeshi Fukunaga. The movie follows the story of a 14-year-old boy named Kanto Shimokura, who lives in a small village called Biratori, located in the Hokkaido prefecture of Japan. Kanto belongs to the Ainu community, an indigenous group of people of Japan, who are known for their unique culture and way of living.

The movie starts with the introduction of the Ainu culture and their customs, which are slowly fading away under the influence of modernization. In the opening scene, Kanto is shown practicing the Ainu dance with his younger sister, Emi, who is also interested in learning about their culture. Kanto wants to become a shaman, but his father, who is a fisherman, wants him to continue his family's profession.

The story proceeds with the entrance of a new girl named Akane (played by Debo Akibe) in their school. Akane is a transfer student from Tokyo, who is fascinated by the Ainu culture and wants to write a report about it as her school project. Despite her initial awkwardness, she becomes friends with Kanto and Emi and starts learning about their traditions and customs.

As the movie progresses, the audience gets to see the stark contrast between the modern city life of Tokyo and the traditional Ainu way of living. Kanto takes Akane to various locations in the village, such as the local museum and the Ainu shrine, to teach her about their culture. Through Akane's character, the movie sheds light on the ignorance and prejudice that people have towards the Ainu community.

Apart from the cultural aspect, the movie also touches upon interpersonal relationships and the concept of identity. Kanto's mother left him and his sister when they were young, and he longs to meet her someday. He is torn between his desire to become a shaman and his father's expectations of him. Akane, on the other hand, struggles with her own identity and the pressure to conform to societal norms.

The movie takes a dramatic turn when one of Kanto's friends goes missing while fishing in the river. Kanto, along with his father and uncle, embarks on a journey to find his friend. During this journey, Kanto confronts his fears and learns more about the Ainu way of life. The search for the missing boy also paves the way for several emotional moments and revelations.

The movie features breathtaking visuals of the Hokkaido landscape and the traditional Ainu costumes and dances. The background score perfectly complements the mood of the scenes, and the acting performances by the entire cast are exceptional.

Overall, Ainu Mosir is a moving portrayal of a fading culture and the importance of preserving one's traditions and identity. Through the eyes of a teenage boy, the movie highlights the struggles of a community that has been marginalized for centuries. It is a heartwarming story of friendship, family, and the quest for one's true purpose in life.