The Murmuring

The Murmuring is a poignant and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the untold stories of women who were victims of sexual violence and abuse during Japan's imperialism era. The film centers around a group of survivors, who, every Wednesday at noon, take to the streets to protest and demand an official apology and compensation from the Japanese government for their wartime atrocities. Directed by Mina Tani, The Murmuring is a powerful and moving tribute to the resilience and courage of these women, who have spent a lifetime living in silence and shame, hiding their trauma and pain from the world. The documentary delves deep into the personal stories of these survivors, who were kidnapped by the Japanese army and subjected to unimaginable brutality and abuse. The film's narrative is framed around the concept of "mura-mura," a Japanese term that roughly translates to "the murmuring" or "the quiet voices." This term aptly captures the essence of the women's experience, who for decades have been silenced and suppressed, forced to live with the trauma of their past, unable to express their feelings or seek justice. Through a series of intimate and poignant interviews, the documentary brings to life the stories of these women, who, in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, have finally found the courage to speak out and confront their abusers. The film's protagonists are women like Kanae, who at the age of 16 was taken by the Japanese army and subjected to repeated rape and abuse; or Chie, who, pregnant at the time of her abduction, was forced to undergo an illegal abortion, and was left to suffer the physical and emotional scars for the rest of her life. Through the women's personal stories, The Murmuring tackles the complexities of trauma, shame, and silence that have haunted these women for so long. The documentary highlights the ways in which trauma has been socially constructed, perpetuating a culture of silence and stigma around issues of violence and abuse. It also explores the ways in which women's bodies have been politicized and objectified, making them susceptible to violence and exploitation. One of the most striking aspects of The Murmuring is its portrayal of the women's struggle for justice and recognition. The film documents the women's weekly demonstrations, where they stand in silence, carrying photographs of their loved ones and demanding an official apology and compensation from the Japanese government. The demonstrations are often met with indifference and hostility from the Japanese authorities, who have historically refused to acknowledge or take responsibility for their wartime atrocities. Through its unflinching portrayal of the women's struggle, The Murmuring raises important questions about justice, accountability, and reparations. It highlights the need for governments to acknowledge and take responsibility for past atrocities, rather than perpetuating silence and denial. The film also underscores the importance of supporting survivors of trauma and enabling them to speak out and seek justice. Ultimately, The Murmuring is a testament to the resilience and courage of these women, who have faced unimaginable trauma and abuse, and yet continue to fight for recognition and justice. The documentary is a powerful tribute to their strength and determination, and serves as a poignant reminder of the need for accountability and reparations for wartime atrocities. In the film's conclusion, Mina Tani poses the question: "What does justice look like for these women?" The answer, it seems, lies not in a simplistic notion of reparation or compensation, but in a deeper recognition of the women's humanity, dignity, and worth. The Murmuring ends with a powerful image of the women standing together, united in their determination to seek justice and truth, their voices finally speaking out against the silence and shame that has haunted them for so long.