Watch Half-Life In Fukushima

Half-Life in Fukushima is a 2016 documentary-style movie that follows Naoto Matsumura's life in the evacuated zone surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Released on March 11th, which marks the fifth anniversary of the Japanese Earthquake that triggered the nuclear disaster, the movie sheds light on the daily struggles of people living in the exclusion zone and their attempts to cope up with the aftermath of the disaster.

The movie brings into focus the difficulty involved in living near the site of the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Naoto Matsumura, the last man standing in his village, refused to leave his farm and his animals behind, despite the forced evacuation of 157,000 residents. He chose to stay behind and to take care of the animals left behind by their owners. The movie documents his daily life, with flashbacks to the day of the disaster and the subsequent chaos that ensued. We see how he interacts with the outside world, as other volunteers visit him, bringing supplies or offering their help.

Half-Life in Fukushima is essentially a character-driven film that focuses on Naoto's personal struggle and his quest for survival in the contaminated zone. The radiation levels in the area are dangerously high, and the movie touches upon how the contamination has affected Naoto's health and the lives of other residents. It also shows how the radiation has impacted the flora and fauna of the area, with many animals affected by the deadly consequences of man-made disasters. Naoto's bond with the animals is incredibly touching, and it is heart-warming to see how he goes out of his way to take care of them.

The cinematography of the movie is simply stunning. The filmmaker has done an excellent job of capturing the beauty of the area with gorgeous shots of the abandoned countryside, where nature has taken over the deserted towns and cities. It conveys the tragedy of the situation, with many of the buildings and infrastructures abandoned, left to crumble and decay. The haunting images of the exclusion zone serve as a reminder of the disaster's long-lasting effects.

The filmmakers choose to focus on the personal experiences of people living in a radioactive environment, which is an intriguing approach. With no voice-over narration or talking heads, the movie lets the actions of its subject speak for itself. This makes Half-Life in Fukushima an immersive experience that allows viewers to form their own opinions about the state of the area and the impact of radiation on people's lives. The use of real-life footage of people, their homes, and their animals, provides a level of realism that is rare and gives viewers insight into the actual lives of the people living in an impacted region rather than merely the impact itself.

Half-Life in Fukushima is more than a movie about the Fukushima disaster. It is a movie about humanity's resilience and the power of friendship, love, and compassion. The movie highlights how the people of the region have to band together and rely on each other to survive. It shows how people have come together to form volunteer groups and provide support to the rest of the community. The movie also showcases Naoto's incredible strength of character and the kindness of his heart. The depth of his emotion will leave viewers with a lump in their throat, and serve as a testament to the human spirit.

The movie doesn't shy away from detailing the mistakes that led to the disaster, but it chooses to emphasize the immediate and long-term effects on the local community. It also rightfully brings into focus the grave disparities in preparation and response for such disasters, especially in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The movie highlights the importance of safety precautions, and the urgent need for global action to mitigate disasters that can have far-reaching and long-lasting effects.

In conclusion, Half-Life in Fukushima is a thought-provoking documentary that offers a unique perspective of the impact of the Fukushima disaster. The movie is a sobering reminder of the hazards of nuclear energy and the importance of taking proactive measures to avoid such catastrophes. It is heartfelt, emotional, and inspiring, and it offers a message that will stay with viewers long after the movie has ended. It is a must-see movie for anyone who cares about the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.

Half-Life In Fukushima is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.