This
is I | 2026 | 2h 10m
Genre:
DocuDrama/Showbiz Drama/Biography/Drama/Music | Country: Japan
Director:
Yusaku Matsumoto | Writers: Masahiro Yamaura
Cast:
Haruki Mochizuki, Tae Kimura, Seiji Chihara
IMDB:
6.2
My
Rate: 7/10
Kenji finds his identity in Ai Haruna, the female persona he creates at the cabaret where he works, which then changes the way he sees and lives his life.
Warning:
Violence scenes, smoking, alcohol, sensual content, LGBTSynopsis:
Kenji
is born as a man who since childhood has dreamed of becoming an idol like the
figure he admires. His family once gave support and allowed him to express
himself the way he wanted. However, in society, a man dressing like a woman is
still considered unusual and often becomes the target of mockery.
At
school, Kenji often receives bad treatment from his classmates because of his
gentle attitude. Even his teacher actually blames Kenji for the bullying he
experiences. His life begins to change when he meets Aki, a drag queen who
works at a cabaret. That meeting opens a new world for Kenji until he finally
decides to join the cabaret, even though he has to hide it from his family.
However,
Kenji’s journey to understand himself does not stop there. Feeling that he
still has not found the identity he is searching for, Kenji asks for help from
Koji Wada, a plastic surgeon, to perform a gender removal surgery. He wants to
become a complete woman—not only to answer the confusion within himself, but
also to experience love fully as a woman. The surgery is carried out, even
though Koji must face legal risks for his actions.
Will
Kenji finally find happiness after the big changes in his life?
Review:
This
Is I (2026) is a film adapted from two autobiographies, namely the life
story of Ai Haruna in the book Subarashiki, Kono Jinsei (2009) as well
as the journey of Koji Wada recorded in Penis Cutter: Sei Doitsusei Shogai
wo Sukutta Ishi no Monogatari (2019). This film tries to combine two big
stories: the journey of the formation of the Ai Haruna persona as well as the
development of the medical world that is full of controversy. The theme raised
is still considered sensitive in some places, but in reality it is part of real
life that continues to happen in society.
The
film opens with a visual style that feels quite aesthetic. A room that is
crowded and full of glitter slowly becomes silent, leaving one figure sitting
in front of the mirror. The way the main character is introduced feels unique
and interesting, before the audience is taken back to the past to understand
Kenji’s life journey with the various dilemmas he faces.
The
conflict in the story develops through Kenji’s inner struggle with his
identity. Besides that internal conflict, several external factors also
strengthen the pressure he feels, such as the need for validation and the
romantic relationship he experiences. On the other side, the character Koji
Wada also faces a dilemma that is no less heavy. As a doctor, he must struggle
between medical ethics and his empathy for patients, a choice that places him
in a position full of risk.
The
resolution of the story overall feels quite good. Character development is
clearly visible, both from Kenji, his family, and the people around him. Each
character slowly finds their own way to make peace with the situation. This
film also shows how society changes in the way it views Kenji who has now
become Ai Haruna.
The
additional scene that shows original footage when Ai Haruna wins a competition
becomes an interesting closing. Even so, the previous scene feels slightly less
strong, especially when Ai delivers statistics about the surgeries that have
been performed. That moment feels more informative than emotional. It would
feel more impressive if the film closed the story with a scene of Ai performing
on stage as a symbol of the achievement of her life journey.
One
of the weaknesses of this film is the lack of clarity in the focus of the
story. This is possibly influenced by the adaptation taken from two different
books, so the film seems to try to give equal space to both. Unfortunately,
that actually makes the depth of the story feel reduced. It would be stronger
if the main focus remained on Ai’s journey, while the medical developments
became the background that strengthens the story.
In
addition, there are several moments where the emotion that is built feels
disconnected. Even though this film carries musical elements, the placement of
several song scenes feels less appropriate so the emotion that is developing
suddenly loses its footing. Combined with the number of conflicts that are
quite many and move quickly, some character emotions feel less explored in
depth.
The
emotional relationship between Ai and Koji actually has great potential, but
unfortunately it is not used to the fullest. Many feelings are more often
conveyed through repeated dialogue, even though it would feel stronger if it
were shown through a show, don’t tell approach. Kenji’s motivation to become a
complete woman also feels not fully explored, as if there is a wound that wants
to be shown but is not fully explained where that pain comes from.
On
the other hand, this film still has several strengths that deserve
appreciation. The casting feels appropriate, especially because of the
resemblance between young Kenji and adult Kenji. Even when Haruki Mochizuki
plays Kenji from school age to adulthood, the maturity change of the character
feels clear both from the appearance and the aura shown. The acting of the cast
also feels natural and full of dedication, supported by the use of make-up that
is not excessive.
From
the technical side, camera movement, color composition, scene transitions, as
well as image details are arranged well so they produce cinematic visuals. The
music and songs used also feel quite aligned with the rhythm of the story and
the emotional meaning that wants to be conveyed.
In
the end, This Is I becomes a film that tries to capture someone’s
journey in finding and accepting themselves. Even though it still has several
shortcomings in story depth and emotional management, this film still delivers
a strong message about the courage to live as oneself. Kenji’s journey, who
later becomes known as Ai Haruna, reminds us that the process of understanding
identity is often full of wounds, rejection, and doubt. But from that journey
comes the courage to stand before the world as one’s true self.
Memorable Scene:
One
of the memorable scenes in This Is I happens when Koji Wada comes to the
bar where Ai is. In the middle of the various problems that hit him, Koji comes
just to see Ai, as if hoping to find the direction of his life again. At the
same time, Ai is also in a difficult condition because of the struggle to
realize her dream of becoming an idol. However, their brief meeting actually
becomes a source of encouragement for both of them to rise again.
This
scene is actually very simple. In life, there is a place or someone we always
want to go to when everything feels heavy. Long advice or excessive empathy is
not always needed. Sometimes, someone’s presence alone is enough to bring calm
into the heart. As if some of the burdens we carry slowly disappear after
meeting them. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to find such a comfortable
place to return to. Because of that, if one day we find it, take good care of
it.
Memorable Dialogue:
“You are your mother’s precious child.”
Ending:
Happy
Ending
Recommendation:
Worth
to Watch
(Aluna
Uwie)
 – From Kenji to Ai Haruna, a Journey to Find Identity){kind=link}
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