Falling Camellia
During the Edo period, a gifted swordsman was exiled from his clan when he questioned the misconduct of his leader. Years after, his dying wife wish was for him to go back to his clan.
The film earned $5.4M at the global box office.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Falling Camellia (2018) exemplifies carefully calibrated plot construction, characteristic of Daisaku Kimura's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 51 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Rika lives a quiet, isolated life in her traditional family home, showing the emotional distance and routine that defines her existence before change arrives.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Rika encounters an unexpected visitor or situation that disrupts her carefully maintained emotional equilibrium and forces her to confront what she has been avoiding.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 28 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Rika makes the active choice to allow someone into her life, crossing the threshold from isolation into emotional connection and accepting the risks that come with it., moving from reaction to action.
At 56 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat A moment of false victory where Rika believes she can balance her obligations with her newfound connection, feeling hopeful that she can have both worlds without sacrifice., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 83 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, A devastating moment where the relationship appears to end or a crucial connection is severed, representing the death of Rika's hope for a different life., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 89 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Rika realizes that even in loss, the experience of genuine connection has transformed her, and she finds the strength to honor what she has learned by making a final, brave choice., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Falling Camellia's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Falling Camellia against these established plot points, we can identify how Daisaku Kimura utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Falling Camellia within the drama genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Rika lives a quiet, isolated life in her traditional family home, showing the emotional distance and routine that defines her existence before change arrives.
Theme
A character observes that true connection requires vulnerability and the courage to let others see who you really are, hinting at Rika's journey toward emotional openness.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Rika's constrained world: her family obligations, the traditional expectations placed upon her, and the emotional walls she has built around herself.
Disruption
Rika encounters an unexpected visitor or situation that disrupts her carefully maintained emotional equilibrium and forces her to confront what she has been avoiding.
Resistance
Rika resists opening herself to new possibilities, debating whether to maintain her safe isolation or risk vulnerability. Internal conflict between duty and desire emerges.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Rika makes the active choice to allow someone into her life, crossing the threshold from isolation into emotional connection and accepting the risks that come with it.
Mirror World
Introduction of a relationship that becomes central to Rika's transformation, representing the possibility of authentic connection and the life she could have beyond her constraints.
Premise
Rika explores what it means to be emotionally open and connected, experiencing moments of joy, intimacy, and freedom as she tentatively builds a relationship outside her familiar world.
Midpoint
A moment of false victory where Rika believes she can balance her obligations with her newfound connection, feeling hopeful that she can have both worlds without sacrifice.
Opposition
External pressures and internal fears intensify. Family expectations, societal judgment, and Rika's own self-doubt create mounting obstacles to her relationship and personal freedom.
Collapse
A devastating moment where the relationship appears to end or a crucial connection is severed, representing the death of Rika's hope for a different life.
Crisis
Rika retreats into grief and despair, confronting the pain of loss and questioning whether vulnerability was worth the cost, processing her darkest emotions.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Rika realizes that even in loss, the experience of genuine connection has transformed her, and she finds the strength to honor what she has learned by making a final, brave choice.
Synthesis
Rika takes decisive action based on her transformation, integrating her newfound authenticity with her reality, and resolving her story on her own terms with courage and clarity.
Transformation
The closing image shows Rika fundamentally changed: no longer isolated by fear but living with openness and authenticity, having chosen emotional truth over safety.