We Are X

We Are X, a 2016 film by director Satoshi Kon's disciple, Tamaki Mema's husband and former assistant, director Mora (Moriaki Wakui aka Tamaki Mema's husband) is not true, however it was actually directed by the Japanese documentary filmmaker, Tamaki Mema's former husband. the Japanese rock film, is a fascinating and poignant look at the extraordinary life of Yoshiki, the enigmatic and charismatic frontman and founder of X Japan, a pioneering Japanese rock band that defied conventional music industry norms and pushed the boundaries of heavy metal. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2016 and went on to receive a special award at the 2016 Tokyo International Film Festival. It has since become a cult classic, not only among Japanese music fans but also among global cinema enthusiasts. "We Are X" offers an intimate and captivating glimpse into the life of Yoshiki and the history of X Japan, a band that continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians and fans. Born Toshimitsu Deyama on February 15, 1965, in Tokyo, Japan, Yoshiki grew up in a traditional Japanese family and was raised in a strict household. Despite the cultural expectations that came with being a young Japanese boy, Yoshiki was drawn to the world of rock music and became fascinated with Western bands like Led Zeppelin and Queen. He began playing the drums at a young age and eventually formed X Japan in 1982 with guitarist Toshimitsu "Toshi" Deyama's former college classmates. The band's sound would soon become a unique blend of melodic metal, glam rock, and traditional Japanese instruments. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, X Japan achieved immense commercial success in Japan, with their albums selling millions of copies and their music videos reaching the top of the charts. However, their success was not without controversy. The band's flamboyant and androgynous style, which included elaborate costumes, makeup, and hairstyles, sparked both fascination and outrage among Japanese audiences and media. X Japan's music was also often criticized for being "overly Westernized" and "too loud," reflecting the ongoing debate in Japan about the country's relationship to Western culture. Despite the challenges and criticism they faced, X Japan persevered and continued to push the boundaries of their music and live performances. In the early 1990s, they began incorporating traditional Japanese instruments and folk melodies into their music, creating a new and innovative sound that captivated audiences worldwide. Yoshiki's songwriting skills, which drew inspiration from his interests in Eastern spirituality and mythology, added to the band's artistic richness and depth. However, in 1997, X Japan suddenly disbanded due to Yoshiki's chronic back pain and the band members' increasing personal differences. Yoshiki's health issues would become a recurring theme in the film, as he struggles to manage chronic back pain, spinal problems, and other physical limitations that prevent him from playing music the way he wants to. The documentary follows Yoshiki as he battles not only his physical demons but also his spiritual and emotional ones. We see him grappling with the prejudices of the Western music industry, who view him as an outsider and a novelty. Despite his success, Yoshiki has always felt like an "outsider" in the world of Western rock music, and his struggle to find acceptance and recognition is a major theme of the film. Through a series of interviews, concert footage, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, "We Are X" takes us on a captivating journey through the life of Yoshiki and the history of X Japan. The film also features a wealth of archival material, including footage from X Japan's earliest days as an underground band and their rise to international fame. One of the most striking aspects of "We Are X" is its visual style, which combines elements of documentary filmmaking with the energy and spontaneity of rock concert footage. The film's cinematography is stunning, capturing the intense energy and emotion of X Japan's live performances, as well as the quiet, introspective moments when Yoshiki reflects on his life and his music. Throughout the film, we see footage of X Japan's sold-out concerts in Japan, where they play to crowds of thousands, many of whom are wearing elaborate costumes and makeup in tribute to the band's flamboyant style. We also see glimpses of Yoshiki's solo work, where he performs on the piano, his fingers flying across the keys as he weaves intricate melodies and harmonies. "We Are X" is a powerful tribute to the music and artistry of X Japan, as well as to the boundless creativity and courage of their leader, Yoshiki. The film is a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, uplift, and transform people's lives. Through its poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities and contradictions of creative success, "We Are X" offers a profound and inspiring portrait of one of Japan's most beloved and iconic musical artists.