Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman 2023

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film excels through its distinctive animation style and meticulous visual design. Critics highlight the elegant, lucid‑dream quality of the imagery and the intricate musical score, while users consistently describe the artwork as gorgeous and beautiful. Both groups note the effective contrast between muted everyday scenes and vivid fantastical moments. The strong consensus affirms a high level of artistic achievement.

Character & Emotion

When evaluating character and emotion, opinions are more divided. Critics acknowledge moments of visceral truth and heartfelt emotional scenes, yet some point to superficial character depth and a failure to develop a unique identity. Users echo this ambivalence, noting odd character designs but also appreciating raw human experiences. The balanced mix of praise and critique yields a moderate score for this aspect.

Story & Flow

Story and flow receive the most criticism across reviews. Critics describe the narrative as fragmented, occasionally plotless, and better suited to an audiobook, while also recognizing its ambitious tribute to Murakami. Users frequently mention the difficulty of piecing together the plot and a lack of payoff. This combination of mixed and negative sentiment results in a lower middle-range rating.

Sensory Experience

Sensory experience stands out as a strength of the film. Reviews consistently praise the atmospheric soundtrack, off‑kilter mood, and striking visual style. Critics cite the intricate score and pleasingly odd visuals, and users emphasize the gorgeous animation and immersive aesthetic. The unanimity of positive feedback supports a high sensory score.

Rewatch Factor

Rewatch factor is viewed positively but with some reservation. Critics note the film as one of the better Murakami adaptations and a reminder of the unfilmable becoming watchable, while also acknowledging its non‑definitive status. Users express interest in revisiting the visual delight and appreciate its calming pace, though plot concerns temper enthusiasm. This results in a solid, above‑average rewatch rating.