I agree with the similar arguments that this is quite a weak adaptation of the book. The main things that struck me as disorienting and detracted from the film were the pacing and lack of characterization, which depends on intentional time spent with the characters. This novel is incredibly complicated, plot and time wise. With all books, there is so much more space and length for things to be developed, character's internal monologues are accessible, and passing time can be more easily written in. This is something all book to film adaptations have to contend with, which is why most of the time books are better than their film counterparts. However, all this was turned up to 11 for this adaptation. The pacing was not only rushed, but literally did not make any sense. As other people have pointed out, there was no time for relationships between characters, namely Toru and Naoko and Midori respectively, to feel fleshed out and realistic. Therefore, I didn't really feel a connection with any of the characters in the film. I also agree heavily with Connor that Reiko's visit to Toru at the end was absolutely mangled. I think I was literally saying out loud, "Please mention Naoko's clothes, please mention Naoko's clothes!" Without even that, it feels even more out of place, jarring, and uncomfortable. At least in the book there was symbolic meaning and honoring of Naoko, in a very roundabout and strange way, when they had sex. Overall I was bored, and I feel like if I hadn't read the book I would have no idea what is going on in the film.
Kaito
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