Romanticizing Rain in Cinema: A Reflection on Filmmakers’ Love Affair with Downpours
An unusually wet October has brought heavy rainfall to various parts of south India in recent weeks, courtesy of the north-east monsoon. Depending on how frequently you endure power outages and building leaks during this period, your perception of romanticizing the showers may vary. However, it’s undeniable that filmmakers have long utilized this phenomenon as a captivating motif in their works.
Anime Homages to Rain: Makoto Shinkai’s Captivating Creations
When thinking of movies that pay homage to rain, two anime features from Japanese filmmaker and novelist Makoto Shinkai stand out. “The Garden of Words” portrays an almost-romance between a teenager and an older woman seeking shelter from thunderstorms in a Shinjuku park, while “Weathering With You” follows a protagonist, an orphaned girl with the ability to control the weather. Both films feature striking anime rain sequences that transform Tokyo into a magical atmospheric escape.
Gloomy Thrillers and Rainy Backdrops: Hollywood’s Fondness for Storms
Hollywood has a penchant for setting gloomy thrillers against rainy backdrops, with David Fincher’s “Se7en” serving as a prime example. The storms cease only after John Doe surrenders, signaling the end of his reign. Additional noteworthy films in this genre include Martin Scorsese’s “Shutter Island,” Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” reboot, and Denis Villeneuve’s works like “Blade Runner 2049,” “Prisoners,” and “Arrival.” Bong Joon-Ho, a Korean auteur, tactfully uses rain in films like “Memories of Murder” and “Parasite” to convey deeper context and subtext.
Rain’s Role in South Indian Cinema: Mani Ratnam’s Lush Depictions
Moving to South Indian cinema, Mani Ratnam’s “Kannathil Muthamittal” showcases lush greenery in Sri Lanka drenched in rain, culminating in a poignant climax. Similarly, “Raavanan” by the same filmmaker serves as a tribute to waterfalls and perpetual rain in jungle settings. In the Malayalam film industry, Dileesh Pothan’s “Maheshinte Prathikaram” and Padmarajan’s “Thoovanathumbikal” beautifully employ rain as a metaphor for love and passion.
Memorable Rain Scenes in Bollywood and Beyond
In Bollywood, Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Kaminey,” Mohit Suri’s “Aashiqui 2,” and Anurag Basu’s “Life in a Metro” feature noteworthy rain sequences. Additionally, Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light” captures Mumbai’s monsoon charm and chaos. Each film weaves rain into the narrative, enhancing emotional depth and visual richness.
Reflections on Rain: Capturing Mood and Emotion in Cinema
Whether it’s the haunting presence of rain in Hollywood thrillers, the romantic allure of downpours in anime, or the metaphorical significance of rain in South Indian and Bollywood films, filmmakers worldwide have masterfully used rain to evoke emotions and set the tone for their stories. Rain in cinema transcends mere weather; it becomes a character, a symbol, and a storyteller, enriching the cinematic experience for audiences.
Moving Forward: Exploring the Endless Possibilities of Rain in Film
As we continue to witness filmmakers’ fascination with rain, one thing remains clear: the artistic potential of rain as a narrative device knows no bounds. From enchanting anime sequences to brooding Hollywood thrillers and heartfelt South Indian dramas, rain’s presence in cinema is a testament to its timeless appeal and storytelling power.
From The Hindu cinema team, a fortnightly column recommending films and shows connected to moods, themes, and pop cultural events. Published on October 26, 2024, at 02:32 pm IST.