Ryotaro Nukui’s short film ‘What’s the Body?’ is a Japanese documentary that dissects the human body as both a canvas and a statement. With its measured pacing, static cinematography, and intimate framing, the film feels like a voyeuristic gaze into the lives of its subjects – each of whom expresses their body in a uniquely personal way.
The film’s unusual opening – lingering on the soles of feet – immediately sets an offbeat, contemplative tone. From there, we meet a tattooed man who explains his ink with refreshing simplicity: he thinks it looks cool. As he shaves his scalp, the conversation shifts toward sexuality and wider identity.
Next, we observe an artist sketching erotic art. Her work is not just an act of creation but a dialogue with desire – her own and that of others. The documentary doesn’t judge, it watches, allowing the audience to absorb the weight of her perspective.
Each chapter unveils a different aspect of bodily expression. A ballet dancer uses movement to articulate her identity, her body both an instrument and a language. A young woman photographs her feet, capturing a part of herself that, to others, might seem mundane but to her holds significance.
The static cinematography lends itself to an almost meditative stillness, reinforcing the sense that we are intruding – albeit gently – into moments of personal reflection. The editing is subtle, never drawing attention to itself, while Ryuuta Takaki’s sound design is unobtrusive but effective, adding texture without dictating emotion.
Beneath the surface, ‘What’s the Body?’ is a film about confidence, self-perception, and the appreciation of physicality. It presents, observes, and allows space for thought. Beautifully crafted, deeply intriguing, and effortlessly confident in its execution, this is a documentary that will certainly intrigue.
