It's a wonder I've never felt the need to post about these songs before, given that All About Lily Chou-Chou may well be one of my favourite movies. Iwai's unique vision (there are some truly stunning, heartbreaking shots), the haunting music and childlike innocence combine to create a film that will always have a special place in my heart. It is even more surprising that I've neglected to mention this album if you take into consideration the fact that this is a film that would not really work without its soundtrack. And that is not a hyperbole because, apart from the emotional effect of Takeshi Kobayashi's string arrangements and Salyu's ethereal voice, the music here is also a vital part of the plot. The fictional singer Lily Chou-Chou (played by Salyu) and her music is the centerpiece around which the whole story revolves. I won't go into details about the film, trying to convince you to watch it because, hopefully, the music will do just that. This may be a fictional singer, and a fictional album, but that heartbeat getting stronger with every note is damn real.
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