Based on the novel of the same title by Numata Mahokaru, which received rave reviews for its remarkable aesthetic style and astute psychological descriptions, Birds without Names exemplifies and enhances the merits of the original novel. These include an unconventional narrative flow, an overall enigmatic mood, and the bizarre relationships that ensue due to the various facets of the unusual cast of characters. Unemployed Towako, who makes her presence felt by phoning in complaint calls to a department store, stays with Jinji, who is 16 years her senior and a day laborer. Jinji provides everything for her, from basic food, clothing and shelter to sexual pleasure, but he is completely ignored by Towako. Even though their extremely unfair and unbalanced relationship doesn’t seem to have a way forward, it does create some sort of presence, a bit like a stronger, more solid wax castle for her than any other relationship she has ever had before. This film depicts the revelation of what this solid castle really is in a strange and oddly interesting way. (PARK Jin-hee)