Haruko Azumi Is Missing

In a sharp critique of sexism in Japan, "Haruko Azumi Is Missing" (2016) brings to light the dark underbelly of a seemingly idyllic suburban town. Using the story of a young woman who has been declared missing as a catalyst for social change, this film expertly weaves together two narratives: one of a high school girl's quest for artistic expression and another of a woman's struggle for empowerment in a patriarchal society. With its bold humor and unflinching satire, "Haruko Azumi Is Missing" sheds light on the systemic injustices faced by women in Japan and challenges viewers to rethink their assumptions about femininity and identity.