Acting
A man and woman are taking part in a One Coin English Cafe where participants can casually enjoy English conversation for a small price. Miki lies about her work and background while participating in the conversation to satisfy her need for approval. Kenji is a young actor who plans to work in the U.S. but is restricted from traveling there. The two of them start playing a game where they act like different people. There are two rules: “Stay out of each other’s life” and “Don’t lie in Japanese.”
Based on the 1990 experimental novel by Japanese author Banana Yoshimoto, Lisa Spilliaert’s feature debut N.P is a translation of the text into a "silent" cinematic scenario. Translation itself is at the heart of N.P’s narrative, which details the absurdities of protagonist Kazami’s attempts to translate the short stories of fictional author Sarao Takase-- as well as her sometimes disturbing interactions with the late author’s children. The previous three translators of Takase’s writing committed suicide in mysterious circumstances and Kazami’s encounters with his daughter (and lover) Sui increasingly pull her into a world of darkly chaotic energy.
Reiji, an unsuccessful comedian, lives with Nanase, a company employee. Although both are concerned about their future, neither is ready to part ways with the other. Nanase is being seduced by new colleague Shun, and she tries to use him to confirm her true feelings.
The protagonist, who aspires to become a novelist, works as a chauffeur to and from watermen and prostitutes while writing. His debut novel is nowhere to be seen, and his girlfriend criticizes his novel and dumps him. Furthermore, he is severely scolded for his high-handed attitude by the woman with whom he is transporting his daughter when he tries to have a relationship with her. Kobayashi, a successful novelist of the same age and an acquaintance of the protagonist, gives him advice on how to complete his novel.
