Natsuki is an avid smoker, punk rock lover, talented hairstylist and global YouTube superstar. Natsuki: The Movie goes behind the scenes of internet celebrity to tell a raw, candid story of life transformation.
He may have more than 20 million views, from an eager online audience around the world, but for the most part, Natsuki lives an isolated life, going about his routine and tireless work. His YouTube image is an alternate reality. On the online platform, he’s outspoken, combative and eccentric. But this is in stark contrast to his day-to-day life. His work schedule in Japan’s beauty industry was grueling—15-hour days, six days a week—and he was developing midlife fatigue due to his inexperienced travels and outside stimuli.
The film follows him on a much-needed vacation in Europe in an attempt to purify and rejuvenate himself. It has an unusual bucket list itinerary that includes stops at Stonehenge, the Eiffel Tower and Sid Vicious’ tomb. He wants to skydive and have a real fish and chips meal by the sea. Not everything goes according to plan during the trip, but that’s part of the fun.
Throughout his adventures, we truly experience Natsuki’s easy-going sense of humor, openness to new experiences, and unique and awe-inspiring perspective on unfamiliar environments. He also set out to test the breadth of his fan base. Would random Londoners recognize him on the street? The filmmaker updates his YouTube subscribers every step of the way in his journey, which takes the journey in unexpected and spontaneous directions.
The film celebrates our need for external stimulation. Natsuki allows his online audience to experience life in faraway parts of the world through his blog and explores another part of the world himself through the same platform. He returned from his journey refreshed; his adventures filled him with fresh creativity.
Natsuki: The Movie is a fascinating portrayal of a fun and exploring personality.
Director: Chris Broad
