52-Hertz Whales (2024)
A quietly devastating Japanese drama about two survivors of abuse who find solace in each other along a peaceful seaside shore.
52-Hertz Whales - Movie Information
- Original Title: 52ヘルツのクジラたち
- Release Year: 2024
- Directed by: Izuru Narushima
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 2h 15m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 1, 2024 (Japan), September 4, 2024 (South Korea)
- Alternative Titles: 52 เฮิรตซ์คลื่นเสียงที่ไม่มีใครได้ยิน (TH), 52 Hertz Whales (JP)
- Production Companies: GAGA Corporation, U-NEXT, Asahi Broadcasting Corporation, CHUOKORON-SHINSHA, Nippan Group Holdings, Ark Entertainment
- Production Countries: Japan
52-Hertz Whales - Plot
After a life of abuse, Kiko moves to a quiet seaside town. There, she meets a young boy who, like her, has also suffered domestic abuse. Through their shared pain, they also find much-needed solace.
52-Hertz Whales - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for this moving Japanese drama:
52-Hertz Whales - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Izuru Narushima
Main Cast
- Hana Sugisaki
- Jun Shison
- Hio Miyazawa
- Karin Ono
- Kimiko Yo
- Mitsuko Baisho
- Daichi Kaneko
- Nanase Nishino
- Sei Matobu
- Nobue Iketani
Writers
- Yukari Tatsui
Producers
- Masanori SAKAI
52-Hertz Whales - FAQs
Is 52-Hertz Whales based on a true story?
52-Hertz Whales is not based on a true story but is adapted from a bestselling Japanese novel by Nao Kotoyama. The title references a real-world phenomenon: a whale that calls at 52 hertz, a frequency no other whale can hear, making it a powerful metaphor for isolation and unheard pain.
What is 52-Hertz Whales about?
52-Hertz Whales follows Kiko, a young woman scarred by years of domestic abuse, who relocates to a tranquil coastal town seeking a fresh start. There she encounters a silent, withdrawn boy enduring similar suffering. Their shared wounds become the foundation of a fragile but healing bond.
Who are the main actors in 52-Hertz Whales?
The film stars Hana Sugisaki as Kiko Mishima and Jun Shison as Ango Okada, with supporting performances from Hio Miyazawa, Karin Ono, Kimiko Yo, Mitsuko Baisho, Daichi Kaneko, Nanase Nishino, Sei Matobu, and Nobue Iketani rounding out the ensemble cast.
What does the title 52-Hertz Whales mean?
The title refers to a real whale documented calling at 52 hertz — a frequency too high for other whales to detect, leaving it perpetually unheard. The film uses this as a central metaphor for people whose cries for help go unnoticed, particularly survivors of domestic abuse and neglect.
Who directed 52-Hertz Whales?
52-Hertz Whales was directed by Izuru Narushima, a Japanese filmmaker known for emotionally nuanced dramas. The screenplay was written by Yukari Tatsui, adapting Nao Kotoyama's acclaimed novel of the same name.
When was 52-Hertz Whales released?
52-Hertz Whales had its theatrical release in Japan on March 1, 2024, followed by a South Korean release on September 4, 2024. The film was produced by GAGA Corporation, U-NEXT, and Asahi Broadcasting Corporation, among other Japanese production partners.
How long is 52-Hertz Whales?
52-Hertz Whales has a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes (135 minutes). The film's measured pace allows its emotional themes of trauma, isolation, and human connection to develop with considerable depth and sensitivity.
What are similar movies to 52-Hertz Whales?
Viewers who appreciate 52-Hertz Whales may also enjoy Love Life (2022) and Blue, Painful, Fragile (2020) for their emotionally resonant Japanese drama sensibilities. The Bridges of Madison County (1995) and Trainspotting (1996) are also cited as thematically adjacent films worth exploring.
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