From Jeff Nelson

The #MeToo movement empowered sexual assault survivors to take a stand against their perpetrators, who utilized power in its many forms to claim another person’s body to use as they desire. Black Box Diaries is a striking piece of docu-journalism that brings a cultural layer to its emotionally-gripping intersectionality, investigating corruption and those who perpetutate it with scrutiny and pathos. 

Journalist Shiori Ito documents her brave investigation of her sexual assault at the hands of Noriyuki Yamaguchi, an influential media figure, who hides behind a powerful political network. She attempts to prosecute him, even despite her low chances of success. Ito refuses to back down, utilizing her landmark case to expose Japan’s outdated judicial and social systems.

Black Box Diaries approaches its heavy subject matter from two angles – as a piece of journalism and rousing filmmaking packed with emotional intensity. As both the central figure and the director, Ito packs every corner of this documentary with vulnerability and sincerity, opening the film with a trigger warning to fellow survivors, to whom she dedicates this story. The two angles weave into something deeply investing.

The year 2017 marked the first time Japan enacted sexual crime reform in 110 years. Black Box Diaries firmly establishes the egregious nature of the system, which explains why only a staggering 4% of sexual assaults against women were reported. Ito’s interviewing skills shine when she’s given the opportunity to speak with a person in power, although the system continues to block her access to those who are responsible to answer for their actions.

Ito allows her story to become somewhat introspective in places, chronicling video journals that allow her to candidly speak on the experience and its impact on her life. These moments carry tremendous weight, allowing her to take control of her own narrative. However, we don’t really get the opportunity to learn much about Ito apart from her trauma and her battle against an entire system of corruption. Ito’s wit and sense of humor occasionally shine through, but the film begs for greater depth into her world.

Several struggles unfold over the course of this story, as Ito confronts the government, her assailant, the public, and herself. Her family doesn’t support her decision to step forward with her story, particularly because of the fact that going against the grain puts them in potential danger. Her fight for justice peels back a layer of hardship, only to reveal yet another one underneath. The towering stakes call further urgency to the film, creating a rather nuanced picture.

Black Box Diaries is a raw, soul-stirring powerhouse that is both timely and transformative. It commands your attention and centers itself on the survivor, rather than the perpetrator, refusing to accept society’s definition of a sexual assault victim. Ito’s piece of docujournalism is a real punch in the gut, concluding the story with a final shot that will rattle in my brain for ages. 

Rating: 4/5

Black Box Diaries played Sundance 2024 on January 20th, 2024.

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